(My goal this week is to publish a series of blog posts that look back and chronicle our time at http://www.sosmemphis.org each post will begin with the theme verse for the week: Psalm 102:18-22.)
Let this be written for a future generation, that a people not yet created may praise YHWH: “YHWH looked down from his sanctuary on high, from heaven he viewed the earth, to hear the groans of the prisoners and release those condemned to death.” So the name of YHWH will be declared in Zion and his praise in Jerusalem when the people and the kingdoms assemble to worship YHWH. — Psalm 102:18-2
How much stuff do you have?
Think about it.
iPod, Blackberries, iPhones, Bose Headsets, Nintendo, Clothes, Laptop, Cameras, Shoes, CDs, Movies, Furniture….
If you’re reading this blog, then you have more than lots of people have. You have a computer, electricity, an education. Or, maybe, you’re reading it on a Blackberry. Or, maybe, you’re reading this on a Blackberry while sitting in a Starbucks.
Remember: $2.50.
Excess.
If you honestly look at all you have, you will easily see excess in your life.
I once heard someone say, “show me your checkbook and I’ll show you where your heart is.”
The week in Memphis was convicting to me.
It hit me, that I have too much excess in my life. I want too much. I “need” too much.
Paul told us to be content with whatever state we were in. Be content.
As you know, I travel quite a bit for my job. Contentment isn’t something that I can say that I possess in my travels. If things aren’t just right, then I become very discontent. Exit row, aisle seat, car with Sirius, King bed, nice meals, etc. It’s ridiculous. And I’m guilty.
The other night in my quiet time, I read Proverbs 30:7-9. This passage (TNIV) states: “Two things I ask of you, YHWH; do not refuse me before I die: keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, ‘Who is YHWH?’ Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God.”
Those with too much run the risk of not listening to God. There is, additionally, the risk of debt. If you owe someone, then it becomes difficult for God to use you. You are enslaved to the one you owe, and do not have free resources to do for God.
Having a shortness of resources runs the risk of looking for ways other than God to have your needs met.
God is willing to give us bread for today. Consider the Israelites in the wilderness. God gave them manna and quail day-over-day.
Jesus tells us in Matthew 6 to worry not about tomorrow. He tells us that God will provide for today. Tomorrow will take care of itself — tomorrow. God wants us focused on today so that we will serve Him today.
Faith teaches us that God is always “on-time”. By focusing on God’s work, we can be confident — through faith — that God will provide exactly what is needed — TODAY.
Oh, that we could learn to say give me neither poverty nor riches. Rather give me only what I need to make it through today.
Is your relationship with God more or less important than your stuff?
Stuff. It consumes us. It gets in the way of our relationship with God.
Look at the examples of the early Christians. Acts 2:44-45: “All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need.”
Binghampton showed us in a real way that we had too much. Ms. Hanh was content with what she had. 800 square feet. Four walls. A roof. Food.
Are you content with what you have?
Oh, that God would make us content with neither riches nor poverty.
Where’s your heart? Look at your checkbook. Or put another way, what god have you put before God?
