Taking more than their share
I love growing flowers. Gardening and yard work make for wonderful stress relief–except when our resident deer insist of taking more than their share.
I have a lot of shade so hostas are one of my favorites. Hostas are a favorite for deer, too, so I spray with deer and other varmint repellent about once a week. This is a view of one of my hostas last week.
Photos by Katherine Pasour
This is the hosta after an overnight visit from our deer family. Those lovely, but greedy, creatures relish in taking more than their share.
Lest you think I don’t anticipate these nightly invasions, I strive to select as many plants as possible that deer don’t like–daffodils, irises, petunias, begonias, etc. But I need some shade plants and hostas and elephant ears are two of my favorites.
Ahhhhh! But deer like them, too!
So I spray repellent, which smells really bad, and works for a short while.
The early church
Following Pentacost, when the disciples received the Holy Spirit, believers in the Lord Jesus began to gather in worship and in service to those in need. These followers of Jesus had taken His teaching to heart and worked to serve Him through their actions.
All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had. With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them all that there were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and put it at the apostles feet, and it was distributed to anyone who had need. (Acts 4:32-35 NIV*)
Taking more than their share
In Acts, Chapter 5, we learn the story of Ananias and Sapphira, a married couple who sold their land, supposedly to share their gift with the disciples. But they weren’t honest with the disciples, falsely leading Peter and the others to believe Ananias and Sapphira were giving the entire amount of the sale. The couple, in their greed, held back part of the proceeds.
Peter confronted Ananias:
“Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land?” (Acts 5:3)
Scripture tells us Ananias died immediately and was taken away for burial. Sapphira, not knowing her husband had perished, persisted with the lie when questioned by Peter. She too, died, and was carried away.
I believe the couple died because they lied to God and to the disciples. They wanted the credit and accolades they would receive for donating money to the cause, but in their greed, kept some, then lied before Peter and God. I don’t think God killed them for keeping money, but for being deceivers.
What are your thoughts?
Dealing with greed
I don’t plan to shoot the deer to prevent them from eating my flowers. Reasoning with them is probably not a solution either. They are part of our God’s amazing creation and I’ll likely continue to use prevention techniques and recognize that they will continue to cause hovac in my yard. But that comes with the territory–I’m a country girl and nature lover.
But what about greedy people?
How can believers be good examples for others to encourage sharing? Please don’t think I’m promoting a political system which takes from those who work and gives to those who don’t. I’m a firm believer in working hard and earning my way and I expect that work ethic from others.
However, I am asking–how can we do more to help those who have less? Your thoughts are appreciated, but again, please refrain from expressing political views. I’m questioning from the standpoint of the teachings of Jesus in regard to showing love to others.
“But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. If someone slaps you on one cheek turn to them the other also. If someone takes your coat, do not withhold your shirt from them. Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. Do to others as you would have them do to you.” (Luke 6:27-31)
Wishing you a blessed week.
I’ll be back in two weeks–taking a short break for family vacation.
*All scripture is from the NIV
I often ask myself how I would like to be treated if I were in another person’s situation. A prayer for God’s direction always helps.
You are right, Diana! I’m thankful that I’m getting better about doing that now-Listen, Pray, Wait–BEFORE responding.
I chuckled when I read about the deer. I battle a different issue – feral cats. While I feed them on a regular schedule, sometimes the temptation of the trash bags are too great. The city I’m in requires plastic bags, not hard plastic bins. The trash collectors come about sunrise twice a week. If I put the trash out early and it is overly full or the smells the cats like their little claws rip the plastic to feast on the contents. I spray the bags with vinegar and the cats turn up their noises. — In five churches I was over the benevolence ministry. When someone came for help they usually would be upset with me. I would first call their parents (if living for help), then I would call parents in law moving to siblings. Many refused to give me phone numbers and walked out. Other complied. Sometimes parents sand family said no. I then would give them a few days worth of meals if groceries were their need. They never were given cash. Sometimes, if utilities assistance was needed they would loose light or water because they showed up the day they were being shut off or had already been shut off. I set up a database for my county where all the churches tracked those asking for help. I was also used for outreach and sharing Christ. If they had a relationship with Christ already and were of a different denominational background they were referred to that church which they always hated. I feel we were able to help those with true need. I remember a few years ago my son wrote a paper when he was in seminary. He told how one day my wife had cooked quality steaks, baked sweet potatoes, okra, and a salad. She had made home made ice cream. It was all to surprise me. A family had stopped by the church. I put them up in a little motel in town for the night while I had a church member repair their car’s fuel pump. The yard no money. I had verified they were in route from out west heading back to South Georgia to move in with the wife’s family. He had recently joined the military and would be going to basic training soon. Well, we packed up the feast my wife had prepared and took it to the family at the ancient motel that had a little kitchenette. We served them their dinner and desert. My son wrote about I through my actions I taught him to care for and love others. He witnessed me answer a question from the wife who was wrangling preschoolers as to why we would do this. I shared Jesus with her. The hubby was more receptive than he had been in my office to ear the gospel after we fed them. I found out it had been over day since they ate. I had young adult Bible study class bring them breakfast. Their car was ready early the next afternoon. They left with a picnic basket full of food to make the rest of the trip. I had called a minster friend in Gulfport Mississippi to get them gasoline after I sent them off from southeast Texas. He had a pastor friend along 1-10 near Pensacola who refueled them one last time allowing them to reach their destination. We later received a thank you note from the family with even the preschoolers scribbling on it. There are many different ways to meet peoples needs and care for them. I think each situation is unique.
Oh, my, Jim, what a vast amount of experience you have in this area. Thank you for sharing–and I’m especially grateful that you let us know the story about the family you supported on their journey. That’s such an example of Christ’s love–so similar to the Good Samaritan story Jesus shared. As a Pastor, parent, and Christian, you’ve exemplified The message and the love we’ve been asked to share with others. Thank you, my friend.
Katherine, I sympathize with you about the deer. I, too, have sprayed my flowers so I can keep them. I have thought of ways to help those in need. I try not to give away cash anymore because I have been scammed and the people used the money in the wrong way. I will buy them food or a gift card to a restaurant. We have bought gas for people at gas stations before. Our church is very good at taking care of our widows and elderly people. Asking God to remind us of what they need is another way to know what to do.
You’ve shared wonderful examples of how we can help others on their journey. Our church assists in many of the same ways you have described. Asking God to show us how to help others is a good strategy that I need to do more often. Thank you, Barbara, and may God bless you on your path of service to Him.
Have a wonderful vacation! 🙂 Blessings to you and your family.
Thank you, Melissa. I’m really looking forward to being with my grandchildren on vacation. Blessings!
Praying for a blessed vacation with everyone.
I loved your message and it is so easy to let greed slip in. Your message made me think of Matthew 5:42 ““Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.” God calls us to generously give. I try my best but wanting to keep it for myself is a struggle
Thank you for sharing your thoughts, Yvonne. I’m right there with you in that struggle of finding the right balance between sharing with others and caring for the needs of family and myself. It’s not always an issue of wanting material things–sometimes it’s the matter of giving time to meet the needs of others while still taking time for loved ones and making sure we don’t overextend. Thank you for your good wishes. Peace and blessings, my friend.
Hi Katherine –
Thank you for commenting on deer and hosta plants. I’ve been trying to decide what night time creature has been enjoying some of my flowers and now I know!
I find giving to your local food bank is a great way to help those in need. Most grocery stores and churches offer a convenient way to donate, and you know the gift is benefiting the need. I try to remember if the Lord blesses me with extra so I can fill up six bird feeders every week and buy extra meat as a treat for my doggie (Freckles), then there should be no room for greed in my heart. But, I also recognize how difficult giving and sharing can be in myself at times. This is definitely an area of the heart that needs regular focus and prayer for God’s direction.
Wishing you a wonderful and safe vacation.
It’s so good to hear from you, Donna. I hope you’re doing well. We had a great time on vacation and arrived safely back. Thank you for your good wishes.
At my house, deer love hostas, lilies, pansies, monkey grass, elephant ears, hydrangeas, and more, more, more. I’ve given up planting some things, I’m trying to use repellent on the flowers I had previously established before the deer became so brave. My dog died several years ago and she was a great deer chaser. But there are other varmints that might be into your flowers–ground hogs, rabbits, moles, and voles do a lot of damage, too. I hope yours are surviving better than mine.
Thank you also for sharing your thoughts about sharing with others. Your suggestions are wonderful. I give through my church and we support local food banks, but I could do more as an individual, too. May God bless you. Wishing you joy and blessings.