God or Gift?

It's that time of year again, the leaves are changing colors, there's a crisp in the air, an hour fell off of my clock at some point last night, and Mars Hill is kicking off its "Generous" campaign once again.

Is wealth your god? Or is it a gift from God given with a specific purpose? That's the question that was asked of us in church this morning. A question that usually, no, without fail, causes us all to groan inwardly at best  as we grow suspicious of the church's true intentions; tithing.

Admittedly, the question was focused around financial giving. But, it has implications reaching further, extending to the way we treat the entirety of God's grace in our lives. And my conviction today was not about whether or not my wife and I give regularly, sacrificially and cheerfully. Instead, it was about all of the other area's that God has blessed my life and I have not... appreciated his role, to put it mildly.

My initial response was no. No, money is not my god. No, I do not feel discontent with what I have. No, I do not pursue flashy things to elevate my status. No I do not hoard my money or pine after more of it.

"And he said to them, Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions." - Luke 12: 15

Then it hit me, I do covet comfort and security. I'm just not as painfully aware of it because I've convinced myself that I already have it. I'm content because I already have much. I'm secure because I don't think I'll ever be without it. I do credit it to God, but I also take it for granted.

I asked myself this question. Is my lack of fear about the fast approaching end of the un-refinancible (yes, you can make up words while blogging) 80% fixed rate, interest only, 5 year arm, on my severely underwater condo loan because I rest assured in Jesus Christ? That I am confident that even if rates go up leading to eviction, financial ruin, poverty, public disgrace, and everything else that might follow, I still find comfort in knowing that I will be with Jesus on the other side? Would I still believe that He is in control and has a plan for my life? Or is it because I believe that he wouldn't allow that to happen to me? Or worse, because I believe that I wouldn't allow that to happen to me? I hate to admit it, and maybe wouldn't if I didn't know that no one reads this blog, but I'm pretty sure it's the latter. I've convinced myself that God has blessed me with the ability to make sure my life stays comfortable and secure. God help me.

To regard something as a gift, I need to appreciate the fact that it was not earned and that I bear no entitlement to it. Like a gift, He does not take back His promises. He also does not promise much of what he gives. We... I, need to be careful which gifts I latch on to. If my soul rests in the gifts of earthly comfort I will find myself idolizing material things and distancing myself from His calling. When the time comes that He calls on my soul to return, will I even want what He has truly promised me? Will I be ready to give up my worldly things for an eternity of service in the presence of God?

"And I will say to my soul, Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.But God said to him, Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?So is the one who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God." - Luke 12: 19-21

God, help me to be rich toward you. To love you by sharing what you give me. To seek opportunities to love others the way that you have shown love to me. To not store up insurance of comfort but to shepard your gifts with love and devotion to you.

okay.. times up, wish I could go back and edit this but I know if I don't post now I never will.