As many of you know, and for those of you that don't, an 11 year old boy from McAndrews, Kentucky recently sold all of his video games, his bike, and other random things from his closet in order to donate the money to Hillary's campaign at a rally held by Bill. He was able to amass a sum over 400 bucks! Not bad for an 11 year old. Apparently his mother thought the money was being raised for their family vacation. Needless to say, the parents gladly let the child go through with this and accompanied him to the rally on Friday in order to present his money to Bill in person; even receiving an autographed picture of Bill and Hillary for it!
(here is the story http://http://dailymail.com/News/election08/200805120073?page=1&build=cache)
So some of you might be thinking, Eric, this is sad. Or perhaps you are thinking, Eric, you're a nerd and a doofus. Well, here's what I am thinking...
Here is a kid who is a perfect example for us.
He has become so entrenched in politics and his opinion of right and wrong he is willing to sell all of his "toys" and sell anything else he can find that he doesn't need in order to help the cause he is in love with. Are we that way with our love for Jesus? Are we so trusting in Christ that we are willing to rid ourselves of the "toys" we hold dear as security blankets, you know, for the "just in case"? Do we have things in our lives we hold onto that we don't really use, don't really like, or are otherwise holding onto for no apparent reason; knowing that we could give them to Goodwill or sell them and use the money to glorify God? Or maybe we spend lavishly on things that are not that important Monday through Saturday, but come Sunday we are saying, "Well, 10% is biblical, so $300 (or $15000 depending on your income) is good enough". Are we just crossing checklists when it comes to our relationships and responsibilities to the church and God or are we so looking forward to giving of ourselves that we are like this young boy, searching through his closet for more ways to give?
This is SUCH A HUGE issue for me. You have no idea the ways of my heart. Sin twists me up so bad when I start lusting for new things or when I can't part ways with old ones. Instead of trips to McDonald's for $1 large Dr. Peppers 3-4 times a week I should be saving this money or giving it to a worthy cause.
To think this issue is only about money would be wrong. In our fallen world we are taught to be selfish with our time, thoughts, and...well everything! We must be weary, friends, of the sin associated with idle minds, bodies, and resources. Everything we have is a gift from God. Please remember that.
P.S. if this doesn't make sense don't worry...these are just a little scope into my brain and what I'm struggling with right now so if nothing else is clear in this post, please pray for me to be less selfish!
P.P.S. don't expect an autographed picture of The Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit like the kid got of his heros...be happy with an undeserved salvation and that knowing the act of righteous giving of yourself makes you like a picture of Jesus to those to whom you give...
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3 comments:
What in the world is up with the first comment?! (Tamil Nadu - I've been there)
Your post makes more than a little sense; it makes profound sense. I think about this lots too. One of the things I love about WPC is that the church actively thinks about this, asking for the tithe, but also challenging people to give over and above that for missions.
Good post--we should all commit to pondering those actions.
As for the kid's donation: Doesn't the law require that you be at least 18 years-old before you can donate to a political campaign?
Yup, I go through the same struggles. Matt and I recently decided to see exactly how cheaply we could eat. I've only made one batch of rice and beans and am already sick of them. The relevence, however, is that I had to re-evaluate what is actually necessary as food. Do we NEED to buy Dr. Pepper or can we just have that on special occasions, and if we do give it up will it make that much difference? It does seem that rarely do we give our lives that kind of thorough examination for the sake of sacrificially giving to the church. A good question to consider, for sure.
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