Poor (Pt 1)

“Poor people are those who only work to try to keep an expensive lifestyle, and always want more and more.”

I read this article and those words have been bouncing around my brain. 

Bouncing around in my little world where my husband toils to make ends meet and there is always more month than money. Bouncing around where I struggle with embracing the tiny budget that allows for one Christmas gift per child under that tree… where I have to be thankful for the parents that will keep my children from disappointment… where my resourcefulness grows thin for free creative gifts… where my apartment grows smaller as my children grow larger and faster… where my daughter has it in her head that she needs a Dreamlights for Christmas and reminds me daily—

Reminds me daily that we don’t have enough. 

And this idea—“Poor people are those who… always want more and more”—bounces until it collides with this: “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things will be added to you” (Matt 6:33).

I think of the rich young ruler who walked away from Jesus heartbroken because he couldn’t give up his stuff.

I think of Zacchaeus who upon discovering that God wanted him, loved him, was preparing a place for him in the Kingdom of Heaven, gave up everything he had to follow Christ.

I think of how I may not have much when I live in this American world of rich young rulers—of commercials and consumerism and credit cards. And yet how much do I have when there are people in Haiti, Uganda, and Togo whose monthly income is less than the price of my one Christmas gift for my daughter—and I struggle with not giving her more??

And I think maybe I am actually poor, because I seek and long for things... for more Christmas presents under the tree, for a larger house, for newer and trendier clothes.

I am poor because I think I lack.

But if I sought His Kingdom, I would not lack. For in Jesus is the well from which one drinks and never thirsts again. If I seek satisfaction in this world, I find a well in which toys are outgrown, clothes wear thin, and trends always change.

And I think, perhaps I could be rich… if I sought God. Because He promises whatever you seek, you will find.

I want to want God.

This culture screams at me, especially during the holidays, when mothers cry for lack and fight for more. When Black Friday promises deals and if you just wake up early enough, run fast enough, search hard enough, you could win the prize of more. 

God is quiet. He does not scream. He has no ad campaigns or sales. 

Yet He calls, whispers: seek Me first.

Seek Me first.

Drink Living Water.

Eat the Bread of Life.

Pick up your cross and follow me.

And it is a mystery. Foolishness, really. Upside down. The last are first, and first are last. The richest are the poorest, and the poorest are the richest. Those with the least can actually have the most. And the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing but it’s the power of salvation to those who believe. 

And I wonder: this holiday season will I seek Him first? Will I lead my children to Him… to the place where I am on my knees, where I am full and content and satisfied in something no sale or bonus can provide me? 

Will I live poor or rich?

I should have the second part for you Monday. And in the meantime, can I just wish you the fullest and most joyful Thanksgiving?! 

Seriously and totally, happy day full of much thanks-giving to YOU!

By Grace,

Amanda