In Need? Wealthy? Content? What is God’s Will?
Friday, December 26th, 2008
I received this email from a friend of Grace Rivers in response to my recent Christmas Greeting and found that it closely related to questions I have had myself many times. I wanted to share this with you by permission.
Greetings John,
I was thrilled to read your Christmas note and the experience you shared at Opryland, and the testimony and example of Louise.
My wife and I have again been burdened by the Holy Spirit to consider the witness we are to others in word and example. As well as to consider how much emphasis we put on creature comforts and the niceties of things. As you know, with every facet to life we each live out a specific unique place on a spectrum. In comparison to someone whose life ambition is to make money, I might consider myself to be at a better place spiritually because my ambition for wealth is not as great.
However, in comparison to someone who is content living with unmatched clothes and dishes, I am challenged to wonder if I am in a more deceived place spiritually because of the ambition I have to give and create good appearances. I may buy things at Goodwill – great! But someone else might only buy the things they need, whereas I may buy a number of things I want. So much to analyze… but where deception hits us is when we believe we are aware of all the areas in which we are duped by Satan and the pleasures of the world.
We pray for sensitive hearts that the Lord will be our model, and that how we live, what we talk about, and the things we value will match up with the decisions and perspectives of Christ. And, that He would humble us to recognize the reality that even as insightful as we think we are, we are weak and frail and easily duped creatures who do not see as much as we sometimes think.
Thank you Friend for being so authentic with me. I read your comments and I am challenged similarly by monetary and things oriented living. I often look at my life when I pray for God to meet our needs and see that I have way more than I “need” already. With a closet full of clothes, a pantry full of food, a house larger than many that is full of furniture, I am already way beyond needing anything. Many of my needs stem from the need to keep up with the “things” God has graciously given me!
And yet, this is where God has led us. He has miraculously provided many of the things we already have. By His leading and provision, this is where we are. What is it like to be content, to want more, or to want less – for His kingdom? I find this line a very hard one to draw personally. Could I give more? Sure. Could I be more thankful for what I have? Yes. Could God want to give me more? Maybe.
All ends of spectrum enter my mind. Should I do with less? Should I ask for more, to enlarge my tent pegs? Should I be content with what I have, be it a lot, or a little? I am not sure that an answer to that question will actually come to pass and at this time, this is where I am. Scripture challenges me to be content with plenty, or little. I guess my goal should be to live where I am whether or not I will be here tomorrow.