Today's
scripture: 1 John 3:17
We live in a society of excess, of “more.” I have a perfectly nice house, but
now I need a bigger one. I have a serviceable car, but I want a flashier,
status-symbol one. I have a closet full of clothes, but I’m not satisfied until
I get that trendy name on my jeans.
There’s nothing wrong with having nice things. If God has blessed you with a
healthy income, and you can afford to buy without debt, then enjoy His
blessings.
The problem is that we often get so caught up with our “stuff,” we forget that
one of the reasons God has blessed us financially is so we can have the joy of
helping others.
A couple of years ago, I reconnected with a friend who had been hit hard by the
economic downturn. The story is hers, but I can say she ended up homeless for a
while. It was so eye-opening to me: She was an intelligent, mentally-healthy
woman who had just hit bottom. At the time, she was just getting back on her
feet, and Russ and I had an opportunity to help her with a few things for her
new apartment.
We've also been able to help support our nephew and his wife on a few
short-term missions trips and have donated to some relief efforts.
It hasn't necessarily been easy. Since I was laid off from my job
almost three years ago, Russ and I have tightened our financial belt. We don’t
go out to eat very often. We don’t buy “toys.” But we know God has still blessed
us as He faithfully meets our needs, and we can still open our hearts to those less fortunate than we are.
And it is heart-warming. Literally. There’s nothing quite like the feeling of
knowing you’re using your money and things to help others.
Because, after all, it is all His anyway.
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