How Rich Are You?

We are coming to the time of the year when our children can get the “I want”, or “I need,” or “must have” for Christmas. There is so much pressure from everywhere to buy and meet our children’s every need and want. Also, in the United States we are getting close to Thanksgiving and a time to gives thanks for our blessings from God. I have recently been thinking about how rich everyone of us who subscribe to this newsletter are, even if you think you don’t have much. Listen to some of the following statistics: ½ of the world’s population live on $1 to $2 dollars a day, over 1 billion people on the earth lack adequate housing, and 1 billion people in the world are illiterate. The fact that you are reading this and you own a computer or have one at work shows just how rich you are. The fact that you make more than 1 to 2 dollars a day means you are richer than half of the world’s population. I say all of this for us to impress upon ourselves and our children just how much we have. When I was in graduate school, my husband and I went on a mission trip to Kenya. At that time, we were truly struggling to make ends meet and believe me we did not feel the least bit rich. When I got to Kenya and saw whole families living in mud huts with a dirt floor, I realized how truly rich I was. My little 2 bedroom apartment all of the sudden felt like a mansion. We often compare ourselves to others who have more than us, not realizing how truly blessed we are. We are also rich for who we are in Christ. We have Christ so we truly need nothing else. In 1 Timothy 6:17-19 we read, “Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.” The words of 1 Timothy could not be more fitting for today. Do not put your hope in wealth which is uncertain. Here in the United States and most of the world these are tough economic times. If you have any money in the stock market you probably have less today than you did even a few months ago. Our hope always has to be in God whom is our Sovereign Lord. We are commanded to do good and be rich in good deeds. I would encourage all of us to challenge our children to think of others and to realize how truly rich we are. We have so much to be thankful for. My children really enjoy doing the Samaritan’s Purse Shoeboxes. They love picking out what will go in the boxes. The Shoeboxes have become a family tradition. The collection dates for shoeboxes is November 17th – 24th. Your child’s shoebox can be personally designed by them. You can even include a picture or letter. You can also go to www.samaritanspurse.org to find out more. Samaritans Purse also has a Christmas catalog. You can buy blankets, chicks, a goat, and many more things for a needy family. What a lasting gift for eternity, that won’t break and will be used for many years to come. We are rich in material things, but more importantly we are rich for whose we are. We are royalty in God’s kingdom, we have eternal life, and what could be more precious than that. Spend time thanking God today for all your many blessings. Begin with the basics: food, shelter, the ability to read, safety, etc. Our God is an awesome God who can provide all our needs. As a matter of fact, worrying has never solved anything. Do you ever remember saying to yourself, “Worrying about that problem or situation made me feel so much better?” I expect not. Yet, some of us can be prone to anxious thoughts and worry. The above techniques can help decrease your anxiety to make it more manageable. rnThe Bible is clear that when we worry that shows a lack of trust in our Savior. May we trust in Him with the big worries and the little ones as well. Learn to rest in your Savior’s arms and leave your worries with Him.