My close friends Rob and Christi Gebhart and their three young children spent 6 weeks at my home in Uganda this past year. Christi blogged that she and Rob were most moved by the poignant observations their sons made of the Ugandan people.
“Early on,” Christi wrote, “Tyler observed how strange it was that the people with so little could have so much joy.” (Luke 12:15 says, ‘Life is not measured by how much we own.’) “Brayden,” Christi added, “said he believed that in the next 200 years, Uganda will probably become the richest country in the world.” “Why?” Rob and Christi asked. “Because,” Brayden replied, “the Bible says that the poorest will become rich.”
The family then discussed whether God meant the poor would become rich in a material way or rich in a different (spiritual) way. After discussing it they all agreed that maybe it already happened. “Is it possible,” the Gebharts asked, “that the poor have already found more joy than we have in our over programmed lives?”
The following verses support that God has indeed chosen the poor in this world to be rich in faith:
• “He gives prosperity to the poor and protects those who suffer” (Job 5:11).
• “But the needy will not be ignored forever; the hopes of the poor will not always be crushed” (Psalm 9:18).
• “God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for Him, for the kingdom of heaven is theirs” (Matthew 5:3).
• “Hasn’t God chosen the poor in this world to be rich in faith?” (James 2:5).
May we live out a faith today that richly extends God’s love to others.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Daniel 5:1-30
More:
How do you interpret the following promise: “The poor will eat and be satisfied?” (Psalm 22:26).
Next:
Why might it be easier for the poor to possess a rich faith in God? How is your faith affected by the material things you do or don’t have?
lindafrances on June 1, 2012 at 9:42 am
My husband and I grew up poor for US standards; rich according to world standards. We knew other kids had a lot more than us, but my mom told me about the starving kids who die everyday, so we felt lucky. My mom told us their were kids who had to go through trash to find their food; so, my sister and I use to wrap up some of our food and put it in the trash, until we were caught. We were not Christians at the time, but even then, God was preparing us.
I’m apprehensive to write the following, but maybe someone out there can tell me if what I feel is normal. Please don’t think I am trying to think highly of myself or look for the praise of man; God has just blessed us so much and I don’t know how to find peace in that. My husband and I are now considered well to do, by the grace of God. It’s only been the last four years that our income has risen. We are not use to being able to help so many people; our kids/grandkids, our families and … We give to our church, to several organizations that help the starving of the world, homeless, sick, addicted, our wounded troops…and the spread the gospel. No matter how much I give, I feel guilt. We don’t have a big fancy house, we never buy new cars, only used and we don’t take lavish vacations. From the outside you would never know what my husband makes. 15 years ago, the company I worked for moved out of town, so God worked it out so I could stay home and care for my grandkids; they would not have to go to daycare.
Bottom line, I keep hearing Jesus talking about helping the poor, and we do, besides our monthly giving, but it never seems enough. When I hear or see commercials about the poor, I feel guilt. I felt bad about buying myself clothes or anything, when I know that money could save a life. We have so much and so many have so little, how do we live with that?
When my husband retires, our income will be cut considerably, so things will change , so we save. He is not overboard in his saving, but wants to make sure I am taken care of if something happens.
Please don’t think I am boasting, but there is a downside to having money. Having money is a problem that lots of people want; but it also comes with a high price. You always wonder how much is enough. For me it feels like when their are no longer needy people. Jesus also told us that the poor will always be with us. I know God will hold us accountable for what He has given us.
tom felten on June 1, 2012 at 10:10 am
lindafrances, so appreciate you sharing your story with the ODJ community. I’m touched by your heart for God and for those in need. As I read of your struggle with guilt, I’m reminded that God’s Word doesn’t say that wealth is the issue. It tells us, “The love of money is the root of all kinds of evil” (1 Timothy 6:10). It’s evident that you do not love money—but you love helping others with it! That’s truly Christlike. I see you storing up treasure in heaven (Matthew 6:19-20), while also wisely saving for future needs (Proverbs 6:6-8, 21:20). Thank you for your godly example.