Their fatigue and discomfort blended with the barren landscape as the group walked through the dirt streets. Trash littered what could hardly be considered front yards. This arid area of Choluteca known as “The New City” exists in denial of its name. Unclothed children, wild dogs, and a few large pigs ran through the streets with little purpose or focus beyond survival. For the mission team members, accustomed to green grass and a ready source of water, this view of Honduras was a stark reminder of their ultimate purpose to proclaim that Jesus gives new life found in wells that never run dry.
The suffering of others often eludes our glance because we’re caught up in the pace of everyday life. Surrounded by deadlines, family issues, and various trials, we are easily drawn into self-centered living. Our hearts aren’t hard; they’re distracted by the noisy, consuming world in which we live.
Warning against self-absorption, Paul teaches that contentment is not a circumstantial condition. Satisfaction comes only as we position ourselves to be consumed with nothing but God (Matthew 5:6). In reminding us of our temporary stay, Paul writes, “We brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can’t take anything with us when we leave it” (1 Timothy 6:7).
God doesn’t want us to live feeling guilty for the blessings and material things we’ve been given. He does challenge us, however, to live with both His justice and His mercy in view (Micah 6:8). When we “walk humbly with our God” and live toward this end, what we possess becomes a means for the advancement of His kingdom (Matthew 14:15-21).
Whether we sit in need or in abundance, we must regularly assess if our time, money, and energy are being used for what is everlasting or for what will never satisfy (Isaiah 55:1-2).
More:
• Proverbs 11:25
• Matthew 6:24
• James 1:27
Next:
What needs in your life are consuming your attention and focus right now? In what ways are you investing in the kingdom of God through your time, money, and skills? Why is it important to see any gift to others as a gift to the Lord?
hello on May 26, 2010 at 9:52 am
hi, this is what i wrote after i inspired by this devotion today. Just to share here. Happy Reading.
http://aprilgirly.blogspot.com/2010/05/what-is-future-for-this-land.html
maryanneb47 on May 26, 2010 at 1:30 pm
After reading this devotion I feel that God has richly blessed us. Their were times in my life that I can see now that God tested me till I turned my life around and only do good for Him that made me. Thank You Lord for all the blessings in my life and please continue to help me understand Your Word. In Jesus’ Name I pray. Amen and Alleluia.
Soldier4Christ on May 26, 2010 at 12:21 pm
This devotion is powerful when you really think about it. The writer talks of the poverty in another country and how we don’t really notice, but I would add that we often overlook the poverty and suffering right here in the United States. If our leaders and our people don’t turn back to God and stop this down hill slide that we are on as a nation we are going to be just like Honduras, and many other nations in the world. God will only put up with the greed and immorality that is happening in the world today for so long and then He will take action. I only hope that we can make the changes that we need to before it is too late and the wrath of God comes upon this nation.
Mel-rose on May 26, 2010 at 4:23 pm
As I read this passage,it makes me realize that we do spend more time on unvaluable things rather than things more valuable to God.I had been so blessed since i have surrendered my life to HIM,he never fails to be there for me even if it seems that I feel that his not there, He listens ad he responds on the right time….To God Be The Glory!
bethanyF on May 26, 2010 at 7:02 pm
I should try and invest more time in others around me. Especially my christian brothers and sisters so that we can grow strong in the word and in God together. I praise God for my friend at work who is a believer.