Worldviews

Consider this..

"Rich people say "Carpe Diem!" seize the day. They look forward to what they can get out of this life; always discontent with what they have and always wanting more, always wanting the next best thing.

Poor people can't wait to get to Heaven; because they know in Heaven they will have everything imaginable and there will be no suffering."

Thinking about this was really convicting because immediately I can think of things I desire that I don't need (for me, buying coffee everyday is something I do not need). But prior to this September it was clothes that I didn't need. I had an unhealthy view of beauty and style and I was constantly desiring to have the latest fashion; that was my treasure, confidence, and self-worth. If I "looked good" I felt good. You all know what I mean, you leave your apartment in the morning either satisfied with how you look or you're self conscious because you're running to class in your pjs and greasy hair!

So as of September 21st I've been going a year without buying clothes and it has opened my eyes to the value I placed on style and beauty. It is STILL hard for me daily to be content with what I have. But I'm halfway done with this "year" and I love the heart transformation the Lord is working in me. Not only has the year without clothes opened my eyes, but so has my financial situation. Any who are close to me have known the struggles I've faced this year with money. What hurts me the most is not the worrying if I'll have money to eat, which is a real issue for me, (and an issue that God has blown my MIND in the ways He has provided). But what kills me the most is the sadness I feel because I can't treat others to lunch or dinner, I can't tithe at church, I can't support my friends' missions, I have to save to get by.

What I really wanted to get across in this was, re-read the first quote and think:

We are the rich people. I am rich.

Ask not what the world can do for you, but what you can do for the world.

The Bible says..

Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Truly I tell you, it is hard for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.”

Matthew 19:23-24

Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Matthew 6:19-21

What do you treasure in this life?
Is it things moths and vermin could destroy?
Is it things someone could steal out of your house?
Guilty pleasures?
If those things have a hold on your heart then that means there is divided loyalty with God.

Do you treasure your relationship with God?
Do you even know that God wants a relationship with you??

I would ask you to think about these things and pray about what you can give over to the Lord. And remember, your money is given to you by God for you to manage, so manage well; because not everyone is as fortunate as you.

When we lose ourselves, we gain in Christ. (ref. Philippians 1:21)

:)