Dan Price announced in April 2015 that he would slash his CEO salary by roughly 90 percent so he could raise the salaries of his workforce (approximately 120 employees). By doing so, Price proposed that by 2017 everyone working for him would make at least $70,000 per year. To make this happen, his salary dropped from $1,000,000 to $70,000 per year—matching his employee’s minimum compensation. Price did this because he wanted his employees to have all they need. News of this generosity spread quickly because it is remarkable and unusual in corporate culture.
The Scriptures repeatedly affirm how God desires for us to have all we need. He exudes persistent generosity and doesn’t deal with us like a stingy miser. Rather, God’s grace provides for a “satisfying life” (John 10:10). The prophet Jeremiah reminds Israel that He “brought [them] into a fruitful land to enjoy its bounty and goodness” (Jeremiah 2:7).
In Genesis, God welcomed Adam and Eve into a garden of bounty, a space overflowing with fruit and love and beauty (Genesis 1:31). Revelation paints a picture of a new world where goodness and plenty abound (Revelation 22:1-2). Between these two stories, we find a God who showers us with provision, abundant mercy, and every manner of kindness.
Though we may not receive everything we want, God pours His gifts out on us—providing what we need. Sadly, however, Jeremiah laments how Israel rejected God’s generosity and “defiled [His] land and corrupted the possession [He] promised” (Jeremiah 2:7).
Though we may sometimes fret about our future and whether our family will have what it needs, God promises to be with us. The question is whether or not we’ll receive Him and His provision.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Esther 2:1-23
More:
Read Ephesians 1:7-9. What does Paul tell us about God’s generosity? Read this text in several different translations. What various words do you notice?
Next:
Where do you feel lack in your life—either a poverty of spirit or relationship or economic resources? How might you trust God for the bounty He alone can provide?
Gary Shultz on May 3, 2016 at 3:57 am
Winn, I don’t believe anyone is bullet proof when it comes to feeling that lack at some time or some item in their lives. You covered a wide cut since it went from spirit to economic tremors. We hear that China is biting down on the church movement, other places people are living in continual fear, others hunger and health are on the line. Then you hear someone complain that their cable bill is so high. We have lived so blessed, we find it difficult to recognize God’s blessings. Like Dan Price’s gesture, God often allows us to live well in our culture, there may be times of difficulty, but God never losses sight of His children. Was bounty promised to the Christian today? But bounty will always be part of a heavenly plan. Agreed, as God’s children we should be looking toward the bounty. Thanks Winn, “He’s a good, good Father”.
sandy229 on May 3, 2016 at 10:37 am
Chinese Christians say that what is true in one part of China may not be true in another, so no matter how free some churches may seem, the Chinese government is always in control, keeping a watchful eye on Christians. One restriction that is uniformly enforced throughout China is that children and youth under the age of 18 are not allowed to be taught about Christ and Children are not allowed to attend Sunday school or church. A lot of the Christian literature for Children is illegal. I mentioned something about this before, I know but its just so heart breaking to hear these stories. When I was little my parents used to tell me I should eat my food because the children in China were starving, of course I told them to send my food to China which did not set very well with them, but I know the same is true today, millions are still starving, but mainly starving for the word of God and those that are loyal to Jesus and witness for Him are considered a threat. Some people here don’t realize how good they have it here, and that is also heart breaking but the way society is today it’s no wonder people take it for granted.
gagirllive on May 3, 2016 at 6:12 am
Funny how this comes on the heels of yesterday’s article on contentment, Winn. In fact, I was reading what Paul had to say about it in Philippians 4: 12—“I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.” In this world, some of us live in dire straits and some enjoy plenty. Some are full and some of us are hungry. I don’t think God has promised us physical or material “bounty”. Spiritual, yes. In Christ we have been blessed with every “spiritual” blessing in heavenly places. (Eph. 1:3) We don’t have to look far to know that there are many Christians who are not experiencing “bounty” from a physical standpoint. However, I hope they are finding that Christ Himself is enough even when their physical and material needs may not be met. I think of Christians living outside of America (even the poor here are rich in comparison to most of the world) in poverty-stricken or hostile/restricted countries. Surely, they must trust that God’s promise of bounty is beyond this world. All that being said, our circumstances don’t change who God is. Like you said, He is a Father of supreme kindness, goodness, and generosity. He loves us in the most lavish way; it’s downright scandalous. If we have Him, we truly do have all we need. Thanks, Winn. May God’s blessings abound in you today.
sandy229 on May 3, 2016 at 10:43 am
Yes, I was thinking the same thing about yesterday’s article on contentment. I like how you referred to that verse in Philippians 4:12. And yes there are so many who are not experiencing “bounty” from a physical standpoint. To avoid copying and pasting everything you said, I will say, I agree with what you’ve said. You do have a way with words!! God bless you for your comments and being a part of this forum!
jim spillane on May 3, 2016 at 11:57 am
gagirllive – if I may, I’d like to ask you what your definition of “bounty” is? Many would consider it in a monetary or material way. Instead of money or things, what if we looked at bounty in regards to health, relationships, true needs, etc. You’ve mentioned before that as you get older you still have your health. So how long have you had that blessing? Would that not be considered a “bounty?” I can only assume (rightfully?) that you enjoy your home and your “aged” car? A “bounty” even though they are not new? How about your true needs, have they not also been met, and for some time now? What I’m getting at is that if we have lived a comfortable life for some time now, couldn’t that be considered a “bounty” from a loving Father? Blessings to you, and I always find your comments Christ-centered and thought-provoking. Thanx.
gagirllive on May 3, 2016 at 2:01 pm
Jim, I’m not sure I understand your questioning. You seem to be making the very point that I was trying to express. Certainly bounty encompasses much more than monetary and physical needs. For us who know Christ, we have a bountifully blessed life in all the ways that matter most. I am extremely grateful for and am enjoying all that I have—materially as well as spiritually. You ask “if we have lived a comfortable life for some time now couldn’t that be considered as bounty from a loving Father?” Of course, but I ask you, even if we do not live a “comfortable” life, could we not still believe in a loving Father and count ourselves bountifully blessed? God’s bounty toward us is expressed most supremely in the work of Christ. That was my point…that in want or in plenty, God Himself is enough. I hope I’ve clarified. I appreciate your comments, dear brother.
sdwise on May 3, 2016 at 9:46 am
During my working career I have seen layoffs, while executive officers I worked for received 1/2 million upward incentives in the same month. I saw firsthand the lost of income that would forever affect the lives of families. It seemed to be the beginning of many bleak Holidays for those who depended on a steady check each month. But I believed in God, “Jehovah Jirah” who is my provider I even took an early retirement to allow someone else to have a job.
Winn Collier on May 3, 2016 at 11:43 am
those experiences can be really challenging, thankful for the grace you evidenced there
Tom Felten on May 3, 2016 at 9:56 am
Winn, it comes down to accepting what God provides, doesn’t it? He doesn’t promise health or wealth, but He does promise to be with us, to never forsake us, and to provide what we need. Knowing Him and His love is truly the greatest bounty one could ever receive!
sandy229 on May 3, 2016 at 10:45 am
Amen Tom!!
Winn Collier on May 3, 2016 at 11:44 am
yes, and that’s a good promise.
godlove on May 3, 2016 at 10:42 am
You said it Winn, “Though we may not receive everything we want, God pours His gifts out on us—providing what we need.” The real issue is that there is usually a huge difference between our WANTS and our NEEDS. God knows what is best for us, even better than we do, so He knows what to give us and when to give it. We might feel disappointed when we think we don’t have what we want, but I think it all comes down to trusting God and relying entirely on His provision, knowing that in Him we have all that we need. Thanks Winn. May we all find wholeness in God’s provision.
sandy229 on May 3, 2016 at 10:53 am
You’re right about that and so many jobs are outsourced these days and taken to another country, and many here are left without a job, either because of this or because they reach a certain age like my husband did, and they are unable to get another job because of their age even though they say they are not discriminating, they have ways around it, but thank God, He and He alone supplies all our needs according to His riches in Glory!! Philippians 4:19 .
Winn Collier on May 3, 2016 at 11:42 am
yes, often a chasm there isn’t there?
sandy229 on May 3, 2016 at 10:55 am
I posted this song yesterday late in the day, and since I live in California, it means even later for some of you, but it just seemed so fitting for today, thank you Winn for your message to us today.
Draw me close to you
Never let me go
I’ll lay it all down again
To hear you say that I’m your friend
You are my desire
No one else will do
Cause nothing else can take Your place
To feel the warmth of your embrace
Help me find the way
Lead me back to you
You’re all I want
You’re all I ever needed
You’re all I want
Help me know You are near
gagirllive on May 3, 2016 at 4:00 pm
One of my favorite worship songs, Sandy. Thanks for sharing the words. Btw, I like your new profile pic. You’re as cute and petite as I imagined! 🙂
sandy229 on May 3, 2016 at 6:50 pm
Thank you so much for your kind words…. That’s one of my favorite worship songs also.