I've Never Fancied Money Much...
I received an email from a certain friend today. A friend that has invested in me a great deal in an effort to keep me faithful to the call God has placed on my life. He is unique in how God uses him to urge others to pursue the things of God's heart, to run hard, and not lose sight of the destiny God has given us as followers. To do this, he and his family have sacrificed much. He has endured long and arduous trips throughout North America, prolonged time away from family, and in all of this, money has been scarce. Receiving his email today really impacted me because I felt a bit 'in his place' ... To a lesser degree, I feel the same pressure of financial strain as I seek to pay off my school loans as fast as I can so that I can continue with where God is leading me. I did not know the situation was as tight for this family as it is - he is far from certain how they will pay this month's bills. I know he was only sharing the reality of what he and his family face now, and that it wasn't his intent to provoke sympathy - he wouldn't want sympathy - but it made me wish I could grow a money tree for him. It grieved my heart as it always angers me when I see that a lack of money hinders anyone from doing what God wants them to do. In discussion with my roommate about that question, she responded: 'Well, if God really wanted them to do something, He would provide.' Yes, true, but is it that simple? Is that really all of the truth? I tend to think not. God is sovereign, I know, but He also gives us choice - a free choice for ourselves. And sometimes our decisions limit how much God is able to appear in our lives, and how much He is able to show Himself manifest among us. Just as a hard heart is limited in reflecting His glory and light, so the purchase of an unnecessary fur coat (keyword: 'unnecessary' - as in, not needed) limits the amount and influence that money could have if spent on something or someone else. The decisions we make in our money-spending affect others. It's simple math; when something is taken away, there is less. What I choose to spend on myself affects how much I can give or use toward something else - something to make a difference in this world. If I spend little on myself, I am able to give more, I am able to provide dinner for someone that hasn't tasted food in a week, I am able to propel someone forward in God's call for their life and witness the work of God through them. Now, what sounds more valuable? That, or a nice fur coat?
I don't even like fur coats. But if I did, I would still choose the former.