Do you follow the Toddler's Creed?

* thanks Eddie M. for this e-mail

Toddler's Creed

If I want it, it's mine.

If I give it to you and change my
mind later, it's mine.

If I can take it away from you,
it's mine.

If I had it a little while ago,
it's mine.

If it's mine, it will never belong to
anyone else, no matter what.

If we are building something together,
all the pieces are mine.

If it looks just like mine,
it is mine.

Anyone who has ever known a toddler knows the truth of that creed. We expect to see this trait in toddlers, but we despise it in adults. It is called covetousness.

The apostle Paul, who had led an outwardly religious life before he became a follower of Jesus, wrestled with that sin (Rom. 7:7). After carefully studying the law, he recognized covetousness for what it was. But God in His grace changed Paul. Instead of being a coveting, grasping man, he became a truly generous person (Acts 20:33-35). Generosity may be the acid test of whether or not we are still spiritual toddlers.

Have you allowed Jesus Christ to create in you a new, giving heart? Or are you still following the "Toddler's Creed"? --HWR

Gratefulness overcomes selfishness.