There will be a day when the Son of Man sits on his throne and all the nations are gathered before him. He will seperate the people, one from another. On that day...
Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me...I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'
What is a challenge in your life that makes it difficult to give?
This was the question asked of us last night at Lifegroup, our home church. It stirred more questions in my mind. What stops me from doing the good I ought to do? Do I justify the reasons why I don't do the good things that could be done? Do we give only as much as our luxurious lifestyles can accomodate? Or do we give when it is hard, or seemingly impossible? Do we sacrafice our lifestyles for others well-being or salvation? Will I?
The question about giving came after discussing James 5. Verse 5 says to the rich man, "You have lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence. You have fattened yourselves in the day of slaughter." It brought to mind many things. I thought about my belongings, how I might save for a brand name appliance, a "reliable" investment for the kitchen. Something I easily justify as spending my money wisely. Not to say that it isn't wise or good for someone to do this. But I am rethinking these things for myself, evaluting my heart. Rethinking the need for the extra appliances. And if there are greater needs? It brought to mind the belongings I have, that maybe I don't use now but could use in the future. But what if a need arose for those things? Would I justify keeping them with, "Well, I may use this in the future for my family," rather than lending it out risking recieving it back a bit used, or not receiving it at all? Am I holding tightly to my earthly things? I live a life of luxury compared to most. I have much. Can I give it? Can I let it go at any moment? Simply. let. it. go.
I believe my heart would hesitate. I know the good but I'd hesitate. And it's the hesitation that I cannot tolerate in my heart. This is not a heart fit for His holy sight. I want no hesitation, but only love. And love is not self-seeking. I have been gradually taking earthly things into consideration and changing my heart about them. When I meditate on God and His perspective on this world, I remember...
"This world is not my home, I'm just a passing through. My treasures are laid up somewhere beyond the blue. The angels beckon me and that's one thing I know. So I can't feel at home in this world anymore."
Scripture references: Matthew 25, James 4 and 5
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