"For what shall a man be profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and forfeit his life? or what shall a man give in exchange for his life?" Matthew 16:26 ERV
I spent this morning watching celebrities in their various pursuits being hounded by the photographers and videographers of the media trying to catch them in various states of humorous, challenging, or shocking display. It never ceases to amaze me our desire to consume people that make their living pretending to be someone else. And, pay millions of dollars to spend a moment in that illusionary world that they create. Do we really know who these celebrities are? Angela Jolie and her husband Brad Pitt's birth of twins is rumored to be garnering them millions just for exclusive photos. My photos of my children wouldn't gain a glance from the media, yet they are more precious to me than the Angela twins.
But I felt that spirit in my heart wishing-----wishing I had a tenth of the funds that the Pitt-Jolie ilk have as a matter of course. I could have a new car, actually afford to live in the place that I am being evicted from, and even give my children the ability to attend extended camps this summer. The worry that would be replaced; worry about where me and my children will live in a few months, whether the job will actually exist in a few days, or even when I will be able to afford to buy a pair of work shoes that are comfortable to wear. To have control of the world, what a concept that would be; respected and honored. Isn't that the desire of most of us; to be respected ---VALUED--- by our fellow human inhabitants of this broken, fallen creation?
"Would you be willing to give your life for such things?" God spoke to me this morning on the way to work. "Would you give up the hope of a future with Me for the ability to face and meet the demands of this world?"
The reason why I am in such financial distress is for most of my life I have spent trying to cope in material ways with a world that is uncaring and unconcerned whether I can compete. If I was wiped from the face of the earth today, society as a whole would mourn about 2.5 seconds. And then steamroll over my grave in the name of progress.
God promised me that His plans for me are to prosper me and not to harm me. And He has remained true to His word. I have grown so much in the last four years in pursuing the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob than I ever would've if I had the dream-like life of a celebrity. I have pursued His calling for me, not for fame or fortune or notaritity in the large congregation of a mega-church, but to grow myself as others grow and hold me accountable for the words I speak and the theology I express.
It may cost me the world, but I have gained so much understanding of the God I serve and the world He will renew upon His Son's return that it is nothing to give away. I will continue to struggle as I have to to meet the obligations I have to my children, my job, and my loved ones. But I struggle only so that I may be true to what my God teaches me.
All honor and glory are His and He alone is worthy of such praise.
Faithful service, faithful stewardship, and Faithful promise-filling from the One who can fulfill His promises.
