Some of you who read my other blog, (www.perambulatedramblings.blogpot.com) know that I have been thinking through books such as “Radical”, “Crazy Love”, and Shane Claiborne’s “Irresistible Revolution.”
It seems like the Lord is bringing them all together with this unveiling of my identity because….
I will say it again…
Now I am in China and I don’t have the ability to hide behind my American standards of “unwealth.”
For example, “Well, I am not rich. My family lives in an apartment.” Or, “look at my car and you’ll know I am not rich.”
But, I have a place to live…and did you see the HOME my family used to live in?!
I have a car.
Luxury.
Maybe that’s it.
I live and have lived a luxurious life and I never knew it.
I thought it was just regular and comfortable and the “country ideal.”
I thought it was homey.
I have always known that I am richer than the poor people, but I have also known that I am not rich like the rich people.
We are poorer than those people.
In my house we even use the phrase, “We are poor.”
I must repent from saying or thinking those words.
Sure, our budget is TIGHT.
Sure, we don’t have the fine things of other “middle class Americans,” (and that IS the culture they are living in,) but will God’s judgment for us be based on our “poor state”?
Does God view our life’s station as “poor”?
Are we thinking in and from a GODLY perspective?
A couple nights ago I was jogging around my apartment community, listening to Chris Tomlin’s “Jesus Messiah” song. The words talk about our eyes being opened and us understanding.
I finished my jog, stretched, and sat down on a bench to look at the windows high above my head.
My eyes will be opened. I will understand what I have been foolish to not accept.
How will I be judged according to how I used what was entrusted to my care?
How have I praised Him for the riches He has given to me to provide for my needs and for the needs of others?
(Have I wasted my opportunities to praise Him because I have been calling myself poor?!!)
How will I be judged for my sinful and wrong perspective of my possessions?
(“Oh, I am not rich. I don’t have very much. What can I do with my few possessions?”)
This can also be (as it was for me that night,) transferred over to our heavenly riches.
Do I walk as if I am presently blessed with all the riches in the heavenly places? (Ephesians 1)
Is that how I live NOW?
Why not?
How does that affect my stewardship?
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