Mo’ Money… Mo’ Problems
I hate not having money…
No really, I can’t stand it. There are so many things I wish I had. So many things I wish I could do. I feel like such a bum because I can’t fund all those things. I mean, I work two jobs, my wife works, and we still just “make it”. I guess in the back of my mind, I thought that working hard would net me some more cash, y’know?
But then, when I think about everything I do have, I can’t help but feel blessed. GOD has blessed us with the provision to live in a good home, have nice stuff (some second hand, but in awesome condition), cars that run, food in our refrigerator. We certainly not in a deluxe apartment in the sky (is a Jefferson’s joke still funny?) but we are more than content.
When I look at all that stuff that we have, I realize that I am in the 1%. Maybe not to the point where I should be occupied, but when I pull my head out and realize how much of the world struggles with illness, poverty, hunger, clean water, homelessness, education, it makes me mad… at me. I feel like I’m not listening to Jesus when He tells me I can’t serve Him and mammon (Matthew 6:24). As He goes on, Jesus talks about how that above my money woes, or things I have, that I should seek the kingdom of GOD first (Matthew 6:33). I don’t have a reason to worry, because none of it is a reason to worry.
I think that when I read this scripture, this is where I feel most compelled to tithe. There are many more verses in the bible used to teach on tithing, but this one really drives it home. And I’ll be transparent; I am not good at tithing. I don’t always drop something in the basket on Sunday. I try and give what I can, but that’s not what I’m supposed to do. We are told to give 10% of our income. In all reality, it doesn’t take that much out of our pockets, but more importantly, I believe it teaches us not to cling to the smaller portion of the bigger pie.
So, Katie & I have decided to be more detached. We are going to give our 10%; 5% to our parish, 5% to support a charity helping those in need. I hope you can find something within that scripture to compel you to help others. But what if you are too young? Or don’t have a job? How can you tithe? GOD seeks the true heart, and He knows you have talent and time. Help at your church, tutor someone who needs help, be a mentor to a younger kid, work/volunteer with a charity. If the season of your life doesn’t afford you to give, make it work from your heart. But when those times come around that you do have the ability to give, don’t be afraid. There’s nothing wrong with wanting a Xbox, but we really need the deluxe limited edition package? Do we always need the newest game right when it drops, or could we wait for a used version a few months later? Take that little bit you save and offer it up for the Kingdom.
If you are looking for some great charities to support, here are some links:
http://www.operationsmile.org/
Jesus, I’m trusting in You, that all the things I cling to and think I need are all Yours anyway. I won’t worry about this anymore.
[Colossians 3: 15]
