Dear reader
I am trying my hand at some devotional writing.
I hope you enjoy my piece
I am trying my hand at some devotional writing.
I hope you enjoy my piece
I was standing in a slow-moving supermarket queue today,
leaning warily over the handlebars as I edged towards the cashier. My eyes fell on the contents of my own
trolley and I looked up to study others. Like mine, many were piled high –
filled with things that, to my mind, weren’t really necessary: crisps, sweets, the
latest magazine, the pre-prepared meal for the lazy cook.
I venture to suggest that, with a bit of thought, we could
all live more frugally. But, what prompts us to buy so much? Is it simple carelessness, or do we like to stock
pile? Or perhaps there’s an element of
worry - about keeping up with the latest trend, or what the adverts tell us we
have to have. Maybe its vanity, greed, gluttony…the list goes on and on.
Do we
even recall what is in your trolley when we get to the till-point? The reality
of our strange world is that opulence runs side-by-side with poverty. And the fairness of it all is questionable.
In Scripture, Jesus teaches us not to worry about
unnecessary things and assures us of our value in His kingdom. He calls us to
look at his creation and observe how God cares for the animals. When God cares
so much for the animals, how much more does he care for us?
I believe that if our focus is on Him, we wouldn’t spend so much. We’d give that unnecessary item a second thought. Perhaps the money we would have spent could be used to help someone in need rather than to line our own cupboards. Giving to someone in need is sure to transform a downcast expression. We may well discover that our own lives are enriched too. I don't know about you, but I'm going to think twice when I reach for those supermarket shelves.
I believe that if our focus is on Him, we wouldn’t spend so much. We’d give that unnecessary item a second thought. Perhaps the money we would have spent could be used to help someone in need rather than to line our own cupboards. Giving to someone in need is sure to transform a downcast expression. We may well discover that our own lives are enriched too. I don't know about you, but I'm going to think twice when I reach for those supermarket shelves.
“Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or
store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much
more valuable than they?” (Matthew 6:26)
How humbling and a great reminder that our riches are in Christ. So often I too focus on the quick and easy. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteAmen, you have hit the nail on the head. I had the same thoughts this past Christmas while in the buying frenzy. I decided that unless I truly need (which I probably won't) I'm going to try to stay away from clothing stores, shoes, purses (my weakness).
ReplyDeletelove this devotional
thanks Caryl, great point. nearly everywhere we turn these days, there is the message that we 'need' this or that... God is opening my eyes to all the avenues to be discontent with what I already have. I've also found it helpful to stay away from the stores.
ReplyDeleteoh, and another thing... it's not just the 'rich' who are to be good stewards of the money God has given them, we all are to be responsible in how we use God's money.
ReplyDelete