Two very different worlds


Some years ago, before the death of Mother Theresa, a television special depicted the grim human conditions that were a part of her daily life. It showed all the horror of the slums of Calcutta and her love for these destitute people. The producer interviewed her as she made her rounds in that dreadful place. Throughout the program, commercials interrupted the flow of the discussion. Here is the sequence of the topics and commercials: lepers (bikinis for sale); mass starvation (designer jeans); agonizing poverty (fur coats); abandoned babies (ice cream sundaes); the dying (diamond watches). The irony was so apparent. Two very different worlds were on display – the world of the poor and the world of the affluent. Those who have less than the least and those who crave more.

It's like the mom who is struggling with her two kids in line at the store.You ask her what's wrong and she replies, "The same thing that's wrong with the rest of the world. I have two children and only one piece of candy."

Everyone - children, adults, communities and nations - all want more.

The only way we are going to break this habit of wanting more is with some outside assistance. Obviously, we can't get this help from another individual. Everybody else is in the same boat we are. This is why we need to be turned to God. That's what the author of Hebrews did. Knowing he was living in the presence and care of a gracious God and victorious Savior, he was inspired to encourage God's people to "keep your life free from love of money and be content with what you have."

It's impossible without the Lord, but it's the right direction to go when you love and are loved by the Savior who endured so much that we might be forgiven and be at peace.

There are two very different worlds that we live in. Not those who have more and those who have less. But those who want more and those who are content with less.

Comments

  1. crtewsOctober 5, 2010 at 8:06 PM

    Recently I read a good definition of contentment. "Not having all you want but wanting all you have." Or being satisfied with what you have.

    It's a struggle with all the opportunities to prosper in this country. My excuse is that overtime is mandatory where I work.

    But there are opportunities to share also. Grace Partners,synod missions and humanitarian aid, local church and food pantries ect.

    ReplyDelete

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