This morning's New Testament reading was the beginning of Luke 21 and recounts Jesus's observation of the people making donations in the temple. The visibly rich were giving from their abundance while the poor woman gave what she had even though she didn't have much.
So many of us have been cutting back in all areas of our lives...what do we do about giving to our church or synagogue? What about the many charities that rely on our donations and support?
And then there's the spirit of giving and helping at work. I remember when threats of layoffs loomed at various places where I worked. In some places people would pull together to help each other. We'd pitch in on each others projects to make sure work got done and no one looked bad. We'd share job leads and help people with their resumes. Other places people would hunker down and focus on their own survival.
Even in good times there are people who don't give of themselves...don't share knowledge or information...don't share opinions or insight...don't volunteer to teach or help someone.
We can be very afraid to help someone advance and fearful that we'll lose our jobs or be seen as weak.
Yet I think that when we operate from a self-serving, hyper-protective place we end up doing damage to ourselves spiritually, personally, and professionally.
I think we hurt our souls when we act this way. We were meant to be social creatures and to contribute to each others lives. I think this creates negative energy that we send out and eventually we reap what we sow. You can call this the "law of attraction", "kharma", or any one of a number of other ways to describe it.
Challenge yourself to demonstrate your belief in the concept that you should "love your neighbor as yourself" and give help, support, information, or whatever's needed to your coworkers today with no thought of what you'll receive in return. Give all this with a spirit of generosity and you'll be amazed at the rewards you'll receive.
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