Daily Companion  | 14 July

EMOTIONAL BANK ACCOUNT

Bible Passage: Luke 16:1-12

And I say unto you, Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness; that, when ye fail, they may receive you into everlasting habitations. - Luke 16:9 (KJV)

While the children of this world may be misguided in their choice of goal in life, they appear frequently wiser than believers in their action and tenacity (Luke 16:8). The unjust steward is shown to us not as a model for defrauding his master or to excuse any dishonesty, but rather to highlight the cautious behaviour of some unbeleivers. It would be good as a child of God to pick up some wisdom from the world and used it to your pursuit of a higher goal. Make no mistake, and know that the true riches only come from spiritual blessings and not amassing wealth in this world. And if a man only spends on himself or hoards what God has entrusted to him, that is not a true wealth but foolishness and vexation of the spirit. 

Our Lord Jesus Christ used the above story to praise the steward's strategy rather than the deceit. This strategy is similar to the emotional bank account as described by Stephen Covey in his book, “Seven Habits of Highly Effective People”. Similar to a financial bank account, you make deposits into your emotional bank accounts and the currencies are your positive actions like gestures of goodwill, showing favour and kindness to others even when they do not ask for them. This was the strategy the unfaithful servant used despite his previous fraudulent habits at workplace. Operating emotional bank account is an act of emotional intelligence.

The benefits of depositing in the emotional bank account is to build up trust, relationship and goodwill in others. So that in case you may have challenges (which we all do) in the future, you may have people or support base to fall back on. It could be to your neighbours, your family members (especially your spouses); your colleagues at workplace or classmates in school.

Therefore beloved, instead of being at loggerheads with almost everyone around you, begin making deposits in your emotional bank account by showing acts of kindness and favour to them. Love others even when they do not deserve it. Help others, even when not requested. This is a worthy admonition of our Lord Jesus Christ to you this day.

Today’s Recite: As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.  Galatians 6:10

Today’s Morning Prayers: Heavenly Father, I thank You for Your words of admonition this morning. I asked that You grant me the grace to always do good and show kindness to others. Help me to do this in truth and honesty. Bless me with resources to bless other in Jesus mighty name I pray. Amen!

Today’s Hymn: Let Others See Jesus in You

Today’s ReadMe:  ECCLESIASTES 4 - 8