In a nutshell, I am not okay with being a Christian living the "American Dream". The words of the Bible are becoming more real and more literal to me every day. My compassion for God's people, especially "the least of these" is growing at a rapid rate.
As Christians I think we often sit back and admire others that have been called to do great things in the name of Christ. I have often thought "if He called me to do that (insert any number of radical sacrifices), would I obey?" And it has only recently occurred to me that we have already been called. We don't have to have an "ah-ha moment", or a "divine intervention" to follow what He has already asked us to do in His Word.
Lately, I have literally been kept up at night thinking of the millions of orphans in the world. I have been resting in the peace that we have not yet been "called" to adopt. I assumed that God would hit me over the head with something tangible, showing me (us) that this was something we were to pursue.
But if I truly want to be Christ-like, then my heart needs to bleed like His. And my actions should reflect that.
What more does He need to do than to write...
'Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you.' (James 1:27)
"But whoever has the world’s goods, and sees his brother in need and closes his heart against him, how does the love of God abide in him? Little children, let us not love with word or with tongue, but in deed and truth." (I John 3:17-18)
I am acutely aware of how blessed I am to be an American. I realize that my life is a life of luxury to much of the world. That my "humble" 1400 square foot house and the amenities within would be considered a vacation for millions. And that is why I cannot shake this verse:
"To whom much is given, of him much will be required.” (Luke 12:38)
Because I have been given so much, I am expected to give much. Sacrificially.
My heart hurts. I have not given much. Not when thousands are dying daily for lack of clean water and food. Not when millions of children are without a family to call their own.
So where do I begin?
"If you can't feed a hundred people, then feed just one." (Mother Teresa)
So I will start with just one.
And as my passion grows I will try to remember.....
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9 comments:
Hey, I've been reading your blog for awhile and I love your heart. I love that you've found what you can do about the injustices in this world... keep doing what you're doing! You are encouraging many. I think you would love this ministry I'm involved with... it's a prayer movement to end human trafficking and modern day slavery. Check us out!
www.exoduscry.com
Bless you.
Amen Sister. I believe this is true. And yet, sometimes I am so scared to truly live it.
Amy, we don't need to apply those verses to our lives. Just the ones we like. The ones that are easy. The ones about God giving us peace and wisdom and stuff like that. This whole sacrifice business - that's just for missionaries and people like that, right? We are just called to be like Christ sometimes and in some ways.
P.S. And whatever you do don't EVER pray this:Proverbs 30:7-9
“Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, 'Who is the LORD ?' Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God.”
Every time I read your blog I feel convicted. Keep up the great posts, they are inspiring me, even if they are only the smallest acts of compassion.
i will just say amen ... i am a moderator for Katie's blog and help w/ all her communciations here in the states ... i am also a stay home mother fighting the cause for the orphans ... when you get a moment please email me your idea about the auction for Katie and if you would need anything from us ... Gwen@amazima.org
blessings ...
Powerful post. It is sad that "bigger government" does not translate into better care for the homeless, hungry and hurting. That still must come from God's children. Thanks for the reminder that we can do something for at least one.
WB
http://warrenbaldwin.blogspot.com/
I don't always follow people's comments but I am SO glad I did. Just getting started on your blog but i am so excited.
Fighting the good fight with you and many, Jen
LOVED this post. You had me at the title. I am so thankful that God is waking many of us up to this fact and at the same time I'm asking forgiveness for living so long like the American Dream was indeed God's dream.
God must just weep when He sees how consumed we are with ourselves. Thank you for inspiring, convicting and motivating us to seek first His kingdom. I love the fact that His Kingdom is about feeding the hungry, loving the fatherless and loosing the chains of injustice. As Jim Eliot said "He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose".
Looking forward to more dialogue!
Amy Savage
Words of truth.......
I would just like to encourage you in regard to adoption...... pray and Jesus will lead you to where your child is. Yes, we need to minister to the orphans. My son and daughter were once orphaned.... however I don't think that I helped two orphans when I hold my children in my arms.... I find my heart overflowing with love and thankfulness that God answered my prayers and brought my children home, into my arms. They are MINE. They always have been. Even before God created them or me, He knew they were my children and I was their mother. Why He chose for them to be born from another woman's womb I do not know. But they could not be more mine if I had given birth to them. How I thank God that He has blessed me with my two little miracles and that they are orphans no longer.
Yes, God is calling you to search for your children.... He will move mountains to bring them home.
And for all of the little ones out there who are waiting for their Mommies and Daddies.... waiting for their forever families.... we must pray and we must do what we can to minister to their needs.
God's Speed to your little one waiting to be held in their Mama's loving arms.
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