1 Kings 5:10–11 (ESV): 10 So Hiram supplied Solomon with all the timber of cedar and cypress that he desired, 11 while Solomon gave Hiram 20,000 cors of wheat as food for his household, and 20,000 cors of beaten oil. Solomon gave this to Hiram year by year.
So many in the church take advantage of their fellow Christians in business by expecting things for free or at least a hefty discount. The reality is, we should bless our brothers and sisters. They deserve the going rate at the very least! A worker is worth his wage!
When Solomon came to the king of Tyre and told him he was going to build the Temple, Hiram was jacked! He couldn't wait to contribute. It would have been easy for Solomon to say, “Please donate the wood.” He doesn't! He trades Hiram wheat for wood. He also sought the best wood around! He didn't expect anything for free, even though it was for the Lord. We don't know if Hiram was saved, but he certainly revered the God of Israel.
What are your expectations when doing business with brothers and sisters in the Lord? Do you expect the “good guy” price? What if you paid normal rates and blessed your fellow brothers' business? Stop trying to get stuff for free, you cheap skate! Bless the socks off your fellow Christians by paying even more if necessary. Isn’t that how God is with us? Praise the Lord for His generosity and support.
Father, help us to view stewardship correctly. May we realize that getting the best deal isn't how You operate. Change our hearts towards one another, we pray in Jesus' name, amen.
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