Poor
I believe “poor” to be a relative term. There are those in our community that I would consider poor and it’s not because they don’t have money – it’s because they haven’t surrendered to the Lord. They are still trying to do life on their terms instead of His. I also believe that financially speaking, poor is a bit relative. There are some people appear wealthy – who choose to drive expensive cars, live in very large homes – they look the part, but they are in debt up to their eyeballs. I call those people “fake rich” because they are owned by someone else or something else. There are some people who try to impress and “out do” people that they don’t know or even like. I have seen poor people. I’ve been to Nicaragua – I’ve served the homeless. Many of these people have very little in financial terms, but they are full of joy anyway. They don’t necessarily know any other way to be right now.
I have been “broke” and I’ve had money saved and I must admit that I’m happier and more joyful with money in the bank. I’ve decided that I don’t want to forget what it’s like to struggle financially. I don’t ever want to forget that the Lord was with me during the struggle. He is also with me during times of plenty and blessing. He wants to be Lord of my life no matter what my financial situation is.
King David warned wealthy people whom he could identify with – because he was King and he was wealthy. He trusted the Lord even though he was successful. Check this out…
1 The fool says in his heart,
‘There is no God.’
They are corrupt, their deeds are vile;
there is no one who does good.
4 Do all these evildoers know nothing?
They devour my people as though eating bread;
they never call on the Lord.
5 But there they are, overwhelmed with dread,
for God is present in the company of the righteous.
6 You evildoers frustrate the plans of the poor,
but the Lord is their refuge. (Psalm 14:1,4-6 NIV)
I’d rather be poor and have the Lord as my leader and my confidant than to be wealthy and estranged from Him. I’ve been both and I like building wealth much better. When I’m compared to people who live at or below the “poverty level”, I’m wealthy. When I’m compared to a billionaire, I’m poor. With the Lord in my heart and in charge of my life I can be focused and filled with joy in either circumstance. This life is not all about how much I can acquire before I die – this life is about honoring God with all I am and all I have. The enemy is attracted to wealth – so I want to be cautious when I prosper.
Pressing On!
Dwayne