THE THEOLOGY OF POPCORN
Micah Smith
Today's Scripture: “He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God.” 2 Corinthians 9:10-11, ESV
Theme: We are enriched with the purpose of generosity by the original great Giver.
LESSONS FROM A SMALL HUMAN AND A SMALL BAG
One evening, my daughter and I settled in for our regular TV and popcorn time. To my dismay, my wife had accidentally bought single-serve popcorn bags instead of the family-size bag I normally devour. Being the "generous" father I am, I poured most of the meager contents into my daughter's bowl, keeping just a small portion for myself. After quickly finishing mine, I casually asked if she would share some of hers. She clutched her bowl closer and firmly said, "No."
My immediate reaction was surprise. Didn't she realize I was the source of her popcorn abundance?!? Was she not aware that I COULD MAKE IT RAIN POPCORN to a degree that is unfathomable to her, overflowing her bowl fifty times over until she never wanted to see another kernel again?!?! In that moment of laughable frustration, I saw a reflection of myself.
THE ORIGINAL POPCORN RAINMAKER
How often do I, like my daughter with her popcorn, clutch tightly to what God has given me? How frequently do I pull my "bowl" away when I feel the nudge of someone in need? The irony wasn't lost on me – I was confused with my daughter for not sharing what I had given her, while I regularly do the same with what God has given me.
This is exactly what Paul addresses in 2 Corinthians. God is the original giver who "supplies seed to the sower and bread for food." Everything we have – our time, talents, resources, gifts – comes from Him. And His purpose in enriching us "in every way" isn't so we can hoard our blessings, but so we can "be generous in every way." Just as I could easily replenish my daughter's popcorn supply, God's resources are unlimited. He doesn't enrich us so we can build bigger barns; He enriches us so we can be conduits of His generosity.
Make It Personal: What "bowl of popcorn" are you clutching tightly today? Is it your time, money, talents, or possessions? Remember that God is the ultimate Source of everything you have, and the blessings you receive come with the question of how you can use them to be a blessing to others. How might your perspective on giving change if you truly believed God would continually resupply what you give away?
Pray: Father, forgive me for the times I have forgotten the Source of my blessings and selfishly held tightly to what You've given me. Help me to be a generous giver, remembering that everything I have comes from You. Open my eyes to the needs around me and give me the courage to give freely, trusting that You will continue to supply all my needs. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Read: 2 Corinthians 9:6-15
Weekly Memory Verse: “The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.” Proverbs 11:25, NLT