“for he is the kind of person who is always thinking about the cost. “Eat and drink,” he says to you, but his heart is not with you.”
I found myself really focused on the first half of this verse. I remembered a conversation where a leader told me that a certain person wasn’t worth the price of a meal, let alone what they cost the company. Thankfully, parents don’t—or certainly shouldn’t—evaluate a child based on what they cost. Often in life, there’s a tendency to place value on people, activities, or organizations based on what they bring in return. That can be a valid tool for determining whether we are stewarding our time and resources well. I’ve seen leaders invest in an employee, only to realize that the person wasn’t interested, capable or didn’t value the gift they were being given. Solomon gives an example of someone who begrudges sharing their food with another—someone who had no desire to give and acted from a selfish agenda. This person was not only miserly but also self-centered. You’re better off avoiding people like that altogether. A key lesson here is to be aware of who you are interacting with and why—both your “why” and theirs. When God brings us into a relationship, we should value every aspect of it as a gift from Him. When He doesn’t, be cautious. Today, know both the “who” and the “why,” while seeing all interactions as opportunities to reflect your King. #BeTheEdge
“Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces.” Jesus
