The Rich...That Is Me
Do you ever struggle with the fact that we are so very blessed with comfortable, physical things when so many people have so little? Do scriptures like this ever bother you?
Matthew 19:21-26
Jesus answered, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”
When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth.
Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Truly I tell you, it is hard for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.”
When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished and asked, “Who then can be saved?”
Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
I would not call our family rich compared with people who REALLY have money. But, when I think about it, we are SO rich! We have all we could want and need and then some.
I struggle with this especially at Christmas time. We are having such a jolly, happy time spending money on each other and decorating our homes while there are so many in need. I know I know this is a downer subject, but it bothers me... not only because I feel for people that are hurting but it troubles me to wonder how God sees me and my heart. It also concerns me that we are just passing on to our children this way of living just to please ourselves. We insulate our lives and pad our world so comfortably that they might think that there are no poor people.
But then, there is the problem of knowing HOW to help people and meet needs. Could I ever sell my possessions and give them to the poor? Me? I am the keeper of our possessions. I dust and sweep and love all that is around me in my nest. I think maybe I could... but I am such a creature of comfort.
I just want to have a more clear picture of what God wants from me and a more clear picture of how He wants me to help others. I want to be more concerned with helping the poor than how I decorate my house. Just my thoughts this morning and my prayer to our good God to help us all see clearly how we can live to please Him and glorify Him with our "Riches".
Matthew 19:21-26
Jesus answered, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”
When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth.
Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Truly I tell you, it is hard for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.”
When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished and asked, “Who then can be saved?”
Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
I would not call our family rich compared with people who REALLY have money. But, when I think about it, we are SO rich! We have all we could want and need and then some.
I struggle with this especially at Christmas time. We are having such a jolly, happy time spending money on each other and decorating our homes while there are so many in need. I know I know this is a downer subject, but it bothers me... not only because I feel for people that are hurting but it troubles me to wonder how God sees me and my heart. It also concerns me that we are just passing on to our children this way of living just to please ourselves. We insulate our lives and pad our world so comfortably that they might think that there are no poor people.
But then, there is the problem of knowing HOW to help people and meet needs. Could I ever sell my possessions and give them to the poor? Me? I am the keeper of our possessions. I dust and sweep and love all that is around me in my nest. I think maybe I could... but I am such a creature of comfort.
I just want to have a more clear picture of what God wants from me and a more clear picture of how He wants me to help others. I want to be more concerned with helping the poor than how I decorate my house. Just my thoughts this morning and my prayer to our good God to help us all see clearly how we can live to please Him and glorify Him with our "Riches".
We enjoyed a toasty fire last night. The first we have had since moving into this home. We so enjoyed sitting around the fireplace and just talking. The warmth and comfort of this living area is so nice. I am so thankful. The above thoughts came to mind as we thought about how very blessed we are.
"Father, please help us to please and glorify You in everything we do in our lives. I pray that your Holy Spirit will move in our hearts to show us how to minister to the poor and people in need. Help us to be brave and give and sacrifice for your kingdom and the people around us. Please Father give me the eyes to see and hear and understand how to act. Please help us to teach ourselves and our children that it's not about us,
but that it is about You.
In Jesus' precious and awesome name, Amen."
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