Christian Women in Leadership

the Lucky Ones

I would like to confront a relative on her materialism; it is sad because her problem is only getting worse, not better. At the same time, I am sitting in my living room, wearing the comfy new Hush Puppy black shoes I can wear to work (and I needed new black shoes, too) that she didn't want any more. I always recieve her "hand-me-downs" and getting clothes from her saves me money, since I don't have to go out and purchase them myself. These shoes are practically new, not even broken in really.

But I was just thinking, my gosh, the money that she spends of clothes could feed the country of Uganda. And in the back of my head, I'm remembering the words from a John Ortberg sermon, "Do you like acquiring things better than you like helping people who are starving to death?"

Funny, too, because I was just reading a passage in my Bible, "I want you to share your food with the hungry and to welcome poor wanderers into your homes. Give clothes to those who need them..." (Isa. 58:7)

Two thoughts on this passage. My first thought is--we are the lucky ones--commanded to share our food with the hungry (what joy that is!) and to welcome poor wanderers into our homes. 6 months of serving the poor in the emergency room, my current job, has taught me this. what absolute joy. It's the rest of the world, so caught up in his or her goals to purchase the most expensive cars, homes, etc. that, ironically, misses the boat! Instead (s)he is consumed with purchasing things (s)he is decieved into thinking will bring him/her fun and joy, when it's fun and joy to serve the poor and help the oppressed, quite frankly. Join God's mission.

My second thought is--Wow, in this North suburb of Chicago--most people are way past "needing clothes." I think most (not all though) people around here worry about needing Gucci bags and Prada shoes! WAY past needing clothes!

And I pray: even if I become a doctor, help me not to think that I will ever need Gucci or Prada (even if other doctors have these things) or a BMW to be fulfilled. Help me not to waste my life on these things.

posted by the princess @ 11/16/2004 09:08:00 PM