A businessman who sold his road construction company stunned his employees by dividing a third of the profit among them. Each of his 550 workers received a share of the $128 million, with some of his long-term associates getting bonuses of $1 million each—tax free.

"It's sharing good times, that's really all it is," the owner said. "People work exceedingly hard for us. . . . I wanted to go out doing the right thing."

A friend once said to me, "Sometimes God doesn't entrust us with money, because we want to keep it while He wants us to give it away." I pondered this statement in light of the generous business owner and the words of Scripture directed toward those "who are rich in this present age" (1 Timothy 6:17). Paul said, "Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share" (v.18).

It's easy to say, "Well, if I had millions of dollars, I'd be happy to share what I have with others." But would I? What riches of time, talent, or treasure am I hoarding today? What has God given me that I am unwilling to share?

In whatever way God blesses us, He longs for us to be joyful and generous as we pass it on.    — David C. McCasland