Take a Chance
By Bob Gaudi
“Cast your bread upon the waters, for after many days you will find it again.” —Ecclesiastes 11:1
In a recent Bible study, our group was discussing a question about the Teacher’s priorities in life as shown by chapters 11 and 12 in the book of Ecclesiastes. Our comments were varied but consistent with the writings of the Teacher. However, one of our small group hit on a note that none of the rest of us picked up on—that of Ecclesiastes 11:1 as indicated above: “Cast your bread upon the waters…”
Her comments told of a poignant story from her childhood. She and her cousins had just finished an evening meal. They were all sated yet asked for more as the meal was really good. Her grandmother, a kindly, humble, uneducated but very wise elderly lady denied the requests of her grandchildren. She stated her reason for the denial saying they were full and had all they needed. She went on to say she was saving the food in the event someone who had nothing to eat stopped by looking for a meal. She said she was casting their bread upon the waters for someone else. The children at the time heard the message but only later did they realize they were being taught a valuable lesson in generosity and humility.
The Ecclesiastes verse in question here could very likely mean we should not be fearful of taking chances in life. Sometimes taking a chance results in failure, but without learning to fail one does not truly learn to appreciate success. A chance not taken never results in moving forward toward a goal.
Casting your bread upon the waters and finding it later can also mean that we should share what we have with others and that in some way, at some later time that kindness may return to us. Selfless acts of kindness and generosity are spoken of often in the Bible and even commanded by God in Deuteronomy 16:11: “There will always be poor people in the land, therefore I command you to be openhanded toward your brothers and toward the poor and needy in your land.” Hmmm, a command from God…probably a good idea to follow through on that.
Most of us have been taught that sharing results in good things, not only for the recipient but also for the one who shares: “A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed” (Prov 11:24). Also, Jesus states emphatically in Luke 6:38: “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” It is clear to me in this verse Jesus is telling us that giving can result in even more benefit for the giver than the receiver. In Proverbs 14:21, Solomon also tells us that generosity not only makes us feel good but results in us being blessed. Think for a moment about how it makes you feel when you really give from your heart, whether it is material giving or through service to others.
Now we don’t give to get something back or to be thanked or rewarded. Hopefully we give from our hearts, which means giving out of love. Giving, as noted above, is commanded by God. Sure, that command was directed toward the Israelites (His chosen people a long time ago) but I’m thinking it applies to us today as well. Being openhanded—sharing and giving what you can with others in need—is always a requirement for us because there are and will always be others in need. We all know this and I hope and pray that we can all be as generous as our Creator wants us to be, giving from our hearts. And do not forget, giving can come in many forms. A kind word given in love and obedience to God can be as gracious and soothing as any possible balm for a troubled heart. Cast your bread upon the waters and after many days you may find it again. But if you don’t, rest assured that someone else will. Take a chance. Pay it forward and please God in so doing!
Heavenly Father, inspire and encourage us by Your Holy Spirit’s presence in our lives. Strengthen and empower us to give as we can, even when it hurts. Help us to remember that whatever we have comes from You, as we are merely stewards of what you have given us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.