Share and Share Alike (Luke 3-4)

Having three year old twins is a definite challenge. One of the challenges of having two three year olds at the same time is teaching the concept of sharing. We hear the words "That's mine" a lot in our house. There is something about toddlers that makes them despise sharing.

Of course, it is not just toddlers that despise sharing is it? Even adults don't like to share. We don't like things like fundraisers and offerings and charity telethons. We want to keep what we have for ourselves. That is why the words of John the Baptist in Luke 3 challenge us. Crowds are coming to John, hearing his teaching about the coming of the Messiah. That teaching can be summarized in one word: repent. Confess your sins and change the direction of your life. The crowds want to know how to do this. What particular act should they perform to be ready for the Messiah? In 3:11, John gives a surprising answer. We might expect John to say read your Bible. We might expect him to say pray. We might expect him to say stop sinning and be holy. But none of that is what John says. What does John say? He says, "Share." He says if you have an extra coat give it away. He says give some food to the hungry. Apparently the first duty of a repentant heart is to share with those who have need.

Sharing is not just a lesson my three year olds need to learn. It is a lesson that I need to learn. I do share some of what I have. But as I read what John says, I know I could share even more. God give me a generous heart to share with others as you have shared with me.