Caring for What Matters

Day Seventy-Five

Caring For What Matters (Read Proverbs 27:23-27)

²³ Know the state of your flocks,
    and put your heart into caring for your herds,

²⁴ for riches don't last forever,
    and the crown might not be passed to the next generation.

²⁵ After the hay is harvested and the new crop appears
    and the mountain grasses are gathered in,
²⁶ your sheep will provide wool for clothing,
    and your goats will provide the price of a field.

²⁷ And you will have enough goats' milk for yourself,
    your family, and your servant girls.

Reflection:

Solomon highlights the importance of attentiveness and care in managing our resources and responsibilities in these verses. Just as a shepherd must know the state of his flock and diligently care for them, we, too, are called to be mindful of the resources and relationships entrusted to us. This spiritual principle applies to all communities we are blessed to be a part of. We carry the torch of stewardship for the present, and we must lead and lead responsibly.

"We live in a world in which we need to share responsibility. It's easy to say, "It's not my child, not my community, not my world, not my problem." Then, there are those who see the need and respond. I consider those people my heroes." ~ Fred Rogers

The passage reminds us that while material wealth and status may be fleeting, the ongoing care for what we have—whether it's our family, our work, or our spiritual life—has lasting value. When we invest our time and energy into these areas with a heart of diligence, we ensure that our lives are about accumulating, nurturing, and providing for those who depend on us. We live in a "Me" culture, but God's kingdom is a "We" culture. Jesus reminds us of this in his prayer on our behalf (John 17:14-17). Paul also reflects on this principle in (Romans 12:2).

"The world says: "You have needs - satisfy them. You have as much right as the rich and the mighty. Don't hesitate to satisfy your needs; indeed, expand your needs and demand more." This is the worldly doctrine of today. And they believe that this is freedom. The result for the rich is isolation and suicide, for the poor, envy and murder." ~ Fyodor Dostoevsky

Reflection Questions

• What are the "flocks" and "herds" in your life that require your attention and care? How can you ensure that you are attentive to them?
• How can you be more diligent in managing your resources and responsibilities? Are there areas where you might be neglecting your duties?
• How do you balance your focus between immediate needs and long-term goals? How does this balance impact your ability to care for what matters most?

Next Steps:

1. Assess Your Area of Focus:

• Identify a specific area in your life (e.g., a project at work, a relationship, or a personal goal) that needs more attention and care.

1. Create a Plan:

• Outline one or two actionable steps to improve your management or care of this area. For example, if it's a work project, schedule dedicated time to work on it or organize your tasks.

1. Implement Your Plan:

• Take immediate action. If your goal is to improve a relationship, reach out to that person with a genuine effort to connect or address an issue.

1. Evaluate and Reflect:

• Review what you've done. Did your actions make a difference? What did you learn about the impact of your care and diligence?

Prayer:

Lord, help me be attentive and diligent in caring for the resources and responsibilities You've entrusted me. Teach me to invest my time and energy wisely, focusing on what truly matters and ensuring that my life reflects Your love and care for others. Amen.

May God bless your hearing, understanding, and application of today's wisdom.