Rich Man Poor Man

I grew up in a family of five kids and we didn’t have a lot of money. In fact, I learned later in life that we were actually considered poor. I do remember people helping us with Christmas and now that I look back I realize that many others had way nicer stuff than we had. I didn’t feel like we were rich because I didn’t worry about things – I’m sure my parents did enough worrying about how to make ends meet. I think God has a special place in His heart for poor people, especially those who work hard at doing their part.

I’ve had the privilege of being in Nicaragua for a few days with a mission trip from my church. This is a country that is mostly made up of poor people. Some of them don’t even realize that they’re poor until a rich person comes on the scene. I completely understand why they think I’m rich, because in comparison to them I am rich. Check this out…

I realize that being rich is a relative term. For example, I make a good income and I’m able to provide for my family but I’m really poor in comparison to Bill Gates or Warren Buffet. I may make more money than 50% of the county where I live, but I can be head over hills in debt and still struggle. I have been in the place where my “things” owned me instead of me owning “things”. I am determined to live debt-free and give generously to help others who are poor or struggling. I rely on the Lord to help me to know who needs help the most.

I do believe that I can be rich in love, mercy and grace because God has already blessed me with His Presence. I have an amazing family whom I love and who loves me. I am blessed beyond what I deserve. I need to think of being rich in these terms instead of financial terms.