Power of Influence with A Generous Heart
Read: Amos 4:1-13
Growing up, I witnessed my mother, on several occasions, create space for the outcast in a room so they could feel important. The impact of her actions was essential in shaping their personal value by including them in her presence and exposing the best in them. I believe she did this in an attempt to show empathy, as she struggled with her own low self-worth.
“Hear this word, you cows of Bashan on Mount Samaria, you women who oppress the poor and crush the needy and say to your husbands, 'Bring us some drinks!” (Amos 4:1 NIV)
No woman wants to be called a cow. This verse cracks me up when my mother comes to mind. She would never, ever, order my father to fetch her a drink. It was quite the opposite; she served my father and those around her. She most certainly wasn’t one to come off as privileged or prideful in her standing. I don’t know if I ever remember a time my mother took time for self-care until we were all moved out of the house.
My mother attended my son’s kindergarten grandparent day party. As the party began with a fun activity and snack, my mother noticed a few children sitting alone at their desks, separated from the rest of the group. At first, she thought they were being punished for something. She inquired about those children and found out that they didn’t have grandparents present, so they were made to work and set aside as outcasts. The teacher decided they shouldn’t be allowed to participate in the party.
Well, that didn’t sit well with my mother. The movie line, “Nobody puts Baby in the corner,” comes to mind. (Quote from the 1987 film Dirty Dancing, played by Patrick Swayze)
She found a way to push back against the circumstantial rules in the room, seeking validation for a belonging to the ones left behind. Opposing the teacher's choice to separate students based on the fact that they did not have grandparents available to attend felt like a punishment to her. This approach alienated the children and would undoubtedly diminish their sense of value in a situation already beyond their control. She stood up in the name of injustice for those who couldn’t stand up for themselves. She called a boy over to invite him to join them at their table. The teacher was angry that she had done this. Mom wasn’t going to have it, so she made sure they all were brought into the group to participate. Knowing my mother, her look and firm tone were enough to signal to the teacher that she would make sure those children were included.
Have you ever known someone who took advantage of another person when at their most vulnerable? It’s a powerful and unsettling moment that can leave a lasting impression. And not a good one! The person who has and wants more, and takes from the needy what they have left, leaving them nothing, or the scraps, so they can brag about what they have or what they think they deserve. Most of the time, these selfish, greedy people claim holiness while robbing others, even of their core worth, to make themselves feel built up. Sometimes this is to mask their own sin, deflecting attention from themselves and making those around them focus on the other person as the problem. It’s a great disguise of sin, or so they think.
The way we handle our finances, possessions, and relationships in a tight grip of greed and privilege, wanting more, or an attitude of all to ourselves, or the choosing to hold freely and be generous toward others, says a lot about the condition of our hearts. And our character!
If you have experienced this, or know someone living a stray, or a hypocritical life, distant from God, stop and pray for these lost people. Pray for their return to their Father, who desires for them to look toward Him. Don’t be bitter, don’t hold onto the hurt that they may have caused you, because of their greed or sin. It is wasted and darkens the light of Jesus.
God sees you and knows your heart.
“The time will surely come when you will be taken away with hooks, the last of you with fishhooks. You will each go straight out through breaches in the wall, and you will be cast out toward Harmon, declares the Lord.” (Amos 4:2-3 NIV)
The thought of God’s removal of the people of Israel, along with their homes and belongings, is terrifying. They should fear God and the destruction He can bring.
My son mentioned the impact his grandmother had on him during Grandparents Day in kindergarten a few days ago. Thirty years later, it remains an influential memory he has held onto, as he witnessed her stand up for the oppressed children. He said he remembered everything as it happened that day and would never forget it. She influenced him in a way that I see in the way he loves others, even when they treat him unfairly or for their own gain. God sometimes allows things to happen so we will run to Him and call on Him. Because he can use people in our desperate times of need, like my mother, to help us. What really saddens me is that this was a kindergarten teacher at a Christian school. This is someone who should have been setting the example of shining the light of Jesus, but failed to do so.
‘“Bring your sacrifices every morning, your tithes every three years. Burn leavened bread as a thank offering and brag about your freewill offerings-boast about them, you Israelites, for this is what you love to do,” declares the Sovereign Lord.” (Amos 4:4a-5 NIV)
This kindergarten teacher was supposed to be a representative of Christ, a teacher of God’s Word, a shepherd of children who claims to do the work of God, but yet in her actions, she crushed the needy! She even argued with my mother, insisting they stay in their seats to do their work because no one showed up for them. Injustice, stripping five-year-olds ' precious value as God’s children, in a holy place, the vulnerable, by the power of an influencer. My mother didn’t back down, and it ended with my mother having to be the one to teach the teacher a lesson of loving all God’s children by building them up and helping the needy. We are destined for incredible callings like this one!
‘“I gave you empty stomachs in every city and lack of bread in every town, yet you have not returned to me,” declares the Lord.” (Amos 4:6 NIV)
As God has given the Israelite people chance after chance to return to him from their sinful ways or their greedy grip, they find themselves divided from eternity with him if they do not remember what God has done for them, or can do for them, and turn toward him. He’s given them opportunity after opportunity, in desperate times, to call on him, but they continue to serve themselves for temporary happiness, hurting others along the way. They grow further and further from God, unable to experience true joy or to have a relationship with God. It becomes superficial until it becomes nothing at all, leaving them empty, alone, and destroyed by God. Chasing after things that don’t last.
If we are always concerned with impressing others or selfish gain in the church, at work, with friends, or even in our own families, our prayers, worship, and actions can become meaningless offerings, like those of the Israelites in the book of Amos. We have the power of true, Godly influence if only our hearts are generous and motivated by selfless acts for God.
God takes no pleasure in punishing his children. God desires that we return to him from any hardened heart, wickedness, sinful nature, or selfish attitudes.
“He who forms the mountains, who creates the wind, and who reveals his thoughts to mankind, who turns dawn to darkness, and treads on the heights of the earth—the Lord God Almighty is his name.” (Amos 4:13 NIV)
Reflection Questions:
It all starts with me! Explore how connecting with your Holy God can inspire a transformative journey in your life.
1. In what ways can you immerse yourself in the presence of God today?
2. In what ways do you demonstrate a generous heart?
3. How are you currently having a positive influence on others around you?
PRAY:
Lord,
My ever-present Father. I come to you in response to the injustices inflicted upon the poor and oppressed. Please do not lose patience with me, for I am helpless without you. I place all my hope and trust in you to use me as a Godly influence on others. Let them see you in me, hear you from my lips, and notice you in my actions. Let me serve you by standing up for those who cannot speak for themselves and those in financial need. Help me to encourage those who have strayed to return to you. Help me always to treat others well, so they know their true value as you see them and as you created them to be. Let your imperfect child be blessed with your grace and peace always. Amen.
