So, I've been thinking often about sacrificing...giving up stuff for the sake of Christ. Which makes me think about...what stuff? What do or should I sacrifice? Scripture repeatedly talks of giving to the poor, even to the point of selling our own houses (Acts 4:34)! I could very well say, "I don't own a home or have property of any worth that I could do this. So, this must not apply to me." Or think (umm...justify) to myself, that in the future I plan to have more, so at that point, I can give more (or give at all!). Many, or I should say, MOST Christians in America would admit to saying at least once, "I'm broke." or "I don't have much money." or perhaps, "I'm poor." (I'm guilty, especially now that we are being financially supported with a tight budget.) So, when coming across Luke 18:24-25 in our reading when Jesus makes a very sad and frightening statement, "How difficult it is for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God! For it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.", it is easy for us to say, "Phew...I'm glad I'm not rich! I don't have a big house (or ANY house!), I don't own a fancy car, I don't take elaborate vacations. So, I am definitely NOT rich! Jesus isn't talking about me." It's easy to say that we don't have as much money as our friends around us, but does that define being broke or poor? Would Carrie Underwood consider herself a bad singer because she isn't Whitney Houston? It's easy to get the answers we want when we poll the small group of our choosing...but is that how God is going to distinguish the rich from the poor? Or will He be looking at the big picture? I encourage you to check out these two quick little websites, and consider the sobering message Jesus gives to the rich, but also be challenged with the remedy He gives just before it...Luke 18:18-22.
http://www.globalrichlist.com/ (find out where you fall on the world's rich list)
www.miniature-earth.com/me_english.htm (very short video of what it would look like if the world only had 100 people)
Happy giving!
1 comment:
Amen,
I was at a wedding last weekend. Beutiful weather, great food, and a relaxing day. I can't tell you how many times I heard, "This day is a blessing! We are blessed?" Are we?
James 1:12
12Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.
1 Peter 3:14
14But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed.
1 Peter 4:14
14If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.
Romans 4:8
8 Blessed is the man
whose sin the Lord will never count against him.”
Luke 6:20-22
“Blessed are you who are poor,
for yours is the kingdom of God.
21 Blessed are you who hunger now,
for you will be satisfied.
Blessed are you who weep now,
for you will laugh.
22Blessed are you when men hate you,when they exclude you and insult youand reject your name as evil,because of the Son of Man.
James 5:1, 5-6
1Now listen, you rich people, weep and wail because of the misery that is coming upon you.5You have lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence. You have fattened yourselves in the day of slaughter.
"You may be in the First World economically but you reside in the Third World spiritually."
http://www.compassionandthepoor.blogspot.com/
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