Now, are those things bad to have? Of course, not. But when they are all we think about or when we are willing to do anything it takes to get them even going into debt of taking advantage of those we love, we might have a problem.
The iPhone 4 came out, and I just HAD to have it. It was close to my birthday, so I talked my Dad into buying it for me. That was easy. Only one problem remained: my contract with Verizon was not up yet, and I didn't want to pay a termination fee. It just so happens that my brother needed a new phone due to some unrelated cirucmstances, so I conned him into taking my Droid, the first one that Motorola ever released. It was a dinosaur. I got the new iPhone. All was well in the world of Clay. Once I pre-ordered it, I checked my order status multiple times a day. As soon as it shipped, you can bet that I tracked that like nobody's business until it arrived on that glorious day.
As I re-read the above paragraph for grammitical errors, I can't help but think how pathetic I was…and to an extent, still am. No, not with grammar but with material things. But by the grace of God and thanks to preparing for The World Race, things are getting better. Now, whenever I want to buy something, I ask myself one question: Would this prove useful on The World Race?
Since signing up for this Kingdom Journey, God has really challenged me with the idea of stewardship. Am I making the most of the resources with which God has blessed me? If I am asking my friends, family, and people who I don't even know to partner with me in raising $15,500, it doesn't seem right that I buy a $8.61 burrito everyday, purchase a bunch of clothes that I won't wear during those eleven months, or go to a movie every weekend that sets me back nine bucks…or more if it's 3D, and I usually end up getting sick anyway. Basically, our money goes toward what we're passionate about. If I am passionate about going on The World Race, being Jesus' hands and feet, and spreadig His love to the nations, are my spending choices reflecting that?
I can say with confidence that they are. I am willing to give up some of my first world pleasures, so those with third world problems can have a chance at eternal life. For too long, I have chased the wind. I will never catch up. If I give my flesh control, there is always going to be something that I want but don't have. I need to stop going after the things I don't have and instead, be grateful for the things I do like this opportunity that God has placed before me
P.S. The iPhone 5 came out awhile ago, and guess who still doesn't have it? This guy, and I'm alive and well!
