Daily Devotional

I recently found out that Monopoly is the most successful board game ever. When it comes to sales, it finds itself in 3rd place behind Chess and Checkers. Even with that, the game of Monopoly, according to the Guinness Book of World Records, is the most popular because it’s been played by more than 500 million people worldwide. I for one am a huge fan of Monopoly. That is, of course, until the inevitable fight breaks out.
 
I’m not sure if you have ever played but in my family growing up, there were more fights caused by Monopoly than there were moments of unity. And when thinking about the game it completely makes sense. The goal is to buy up properties as you make your way around the board and to bankrupt your opponents when they land on your property. So, you try your best to collect more than anyone else at the expense of everyone else. There is no giving anything away or sharing what you have. It’s every man, woman, and child for themselves! Is there any wonder why family game nights can be so stressful?
 
Being part of God’s family is the exact opposite of a Monopoly game, however. In Acts 4, we’re reminded that Jesus’ first followers showed that in God’s family, we can and should ask for help because being a part of the community means that we should be sharing so that everyone has what they need. Generosity is encouraged. Sharing with others, not only helps change the lives of those around us, but it also changes us as we become more like Jesus, concerned about the needs of those around us. The big reminder is that there is more than enough when we share what we have.

English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.