THE GIVING DOG

For to a man who is good before Him, He has given wisdom and knowledge and gladness, while to the sinner He has given the endeavor of gathering and collecting so that he may give to one who is good before God. This too is vanity and striving after wind.  Ecclesiastes 2:26

Our family witnessed this biblical principle firsthand through an unlikely source: our new neighbor’s dog.

For years, the house next door sat vacant and decaying, an eyesore of overgrown weeds and discarded equipment. We were relieved when a kind young man named Ben purchased the property and immediately began its restoration. Our children were especially thrilled to discover he owned Charlie, a beautiful chocolate Labrador.

When Ben started a new job, he hired our son, Will, to walk and feed Charlie twice a day. Will was ecstatic; he loves dogs, and this was his first official job. Ben paid him handsomely for the work. Since we have always taught our children the importance of honoring God with their earnings, Will faithfully set aside a portion of every payment as an offering for church.

Over time, we cultivated a friendship with Ben, inviting him for meals and to join us at church. While he has declined our invitations to attend services so far, he is unknowingly supporting the Lord’s work. Part of the income he provides Will goes directly into the offering plate, fueling the ministry.

Unsaved individuals often do not realize that the wealth they accumulate will eventually serve God’s sovereign purposes. It is a powerful reminder to be thankful and find joy in giving. Whether it is the company you work for or the clients you serve, God can orchestrate their "gathering and collecting" to provide for you, so that you, in turn, can honor Him.

Ethan Kallberg