Principle 4 Ujamaa / Cooperative economics: Hebrew13:16. And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased. Christians are instructed to share their wealth and make sacrifices for others. Economic wealth may not mean just money. It can mean anything that can make wealth or improve someone’s standing in their community. Our economic system should reflect principles, that we have a social safety net for those who are less fortunate and need assistance.
Did you know that sacrifice is unnatural? It requires us to put aside what we want if we are going to benefit someone else. We can’t do that on our own. We need an example to follow. In scripture, Yahshua describes Himself as a good shepherd who does what is best for His sheep. When we love people selflessly, we love as He loved. But what does that look like in everyday life?
- Sacrifice is loving your neighbour as yourself.
It is human nature to seek the best for ourselves. Just watch children at Christmas fighting over toys or adults on Black Friday when the sales are up, and the items are few.
Yahshua showed us a better way. He gave up His rightful place in heaven to live among us on Earth. Then, He died a death He didn’t deserve to give us eternal life. When we put others first, we love our neighbours as ourselves.
- Sacrifice is putting others first.
Is your life characterized by thinking about others or about yourself? Would your co-workers or classmates describe you as selfish or someone who puts others before themselves?
Even when Yahshua was hungry, tired, or ready to get alone and pray, when He saw a crowd, He had compassion on them and ministered to them. He calls on us to sacrifice our wants and needs for people the way He did for us.
- Sacrifice without grumbling.
Loving sacrificially requires that we lay down our desires every day. When we can do that without grumbling, people will be blessed, and we will be blessed.
Yahshua is our shepherd. When we follow His example and draw from His strength which is available to us through the Holy Spirit — we can live a life characterized by supernatural love and lead others into a life of freedom, joy and peace they have never experienced.
Today Ujamaa teaches us to think about the needs of others and how we can place them before our own. Do you see a struggling mom with kids and groceries at the store? Let her get in line before you. Does your neighbour need help with his lawn? Take care of it for him. Does someone you know need help to get a business off the ground? Help them. Whatever the situation, listen to God and do what He says. Follow His prompting and leading when going about your day. If you feel like you should stop and serve, do it. This doesn’t necessarily mean you take on every opportunity presented to you. Pray. Ask God, then listen and do what He says.
Let’s Pray
Yahshua, if I have been selfish, keeping all the good to myself alone. Father, I pray that you forgive me. I know that there are people that need my help, give me the strength to help them and always stand for the right. God, I pray for the wisdom to do things the right way. Help me not to neglect people that I have the power to help today. Amen.
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