black friday
the endless pursuits of ourselves
it resounds so deeply in my soul
these actions (self pursuit) are all I used to know
the money spent on this day could change the world
but why would we want to change a world in which we have grown comfortable?
like the abused wife who won’t leave because...
she thinks she deserves it, or knows no other way out?
‘comfort can no longer be comfortable for those who seek what is not at the market’
life, liberty and the pursuit of....happiness (or comfort)
how do we escape the idol of comfort?
I have been wrestling with obvious need in the world (poverty)
not the people who cannot afford a house, or a new car
the people who don’t have base human needs met:
food
shelter
clothing
water
and compassion
sometimes it’s hard to look past my obvious wants.
but if I sit still long enough, the sight of this need is staggering
Tolstoy writes of this struggle in ‘What then must we do?”
not too far in the book we are introduced to this plight against poverty.
His dilemma is how to advance the cause to end poverty.
early in his struggle he quotes our Lord “The man with two coats should share with him who has none, the one who has food should do the same.” (Luke 3:11)
I am almost convinced we are not called to end poverty.
I am convinced we are called to administer grace and mercy to those in need
regardless of place or disposition of life
The problem lies in, once again, my comfort
helping others that i do not relate with is uncomfortable
unless i make an anonymous donation
(which sometimes threatens my comfortable lifestyle)
what are we to do?
act
period. we are called to action.
this might actually help us more than those we seek to help
It is hard to get rid of our comfort. We are truly blessed. I love your heart!
ReplyDeleteBeautifully said. Our own growth stems from jumping out of our comfort zone.
ReplyDeleteWhat we have can be a blessing or a curse my friend, it depends were you stand in judgement of others and one self. I truly believe only the blessed are able to bless and at least reap the benefits of their blessings. I have run into plenty of those who have taken poverty and made it a means to saint hood. I do think that this is just as dangerous as calling poverty a sin , or at least those who are impoverish have reaped a just reward. There is the question also that will haunt you....... How much do you give? How much comfort are you ready to let go of and is it ever enough? We are too greedy for self deprecation, Jesus wore an expensive white robe, did he need it? Could the poor have benefited from it's sale and he staid just as warm in a normal brown robe? There are those who will take, with joy, all that you have. If they ask for your extra coat they will ask for your house as well, the question is; do you really need all that space? Does some one else need it more? JUST HOW FAR WOULD YOU WANT TO TAKE IT TO RELIEVE A BURNING GUILT? Remember, it is not about what is given but how it is given.
ReplyDelete