Practise Poverty!
Reading: Luke 8:1-3; 2 Corinthians 8:1-5
“In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy
and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity.
For I testify that they gave as much as they were able,
and even beyond their ability” (2 Cor 8:2,3)
Mary Magdalene, Joanna the wife of Chuza, the manager of Herod’s household, Susanna and the many other women who were with Jesus were helping to support them out of their own means (Lk 8:1-3). Were they single or widowed or had their husband’s full support to serve Jesus? How did they manage this lifestyle?
Every woman desirous of changing this world a wee little bit is torn apart between her dream and her commitment to the family. Is it possible that you shirk off your responsibilities and immerse yourself in work that would bring you the joy of giving? Racked by insecurities about money, you shelve your dream and let it die.
May be there is a little spark at the depth of your heart crying out, “Sacrifice a little more so you can do more.” But you need to pay bills. House is a necessity. Car is not luxury today. Of course we can’t do without a TV and convent education for the children. Where do we stop the list and kindle the spark that is flickering?
May be our requirement is a lot less. It may help if you jot down a month’s expenses and see where you can cut down. There may be no need to buy new clothes, foreign vacations and fancy gadgets. You can serve a healthy meal of rice, curry and vegetable. One or two pairs of footwear will meet your needs. You can go to the wedding and birthday parties of the rich without a gift.
You may even consider resigning your fat-salaried job to take up social service for a lesser salary and a soul-enriching experience. Make sure that the basic needs of your family are met and invest the rest to uplift the poor. Give wings to your dream. Start small and grow. Pausing to ask the question, “How much do I really need?” can significantly change the direction of your life. Exercise a deliberate choice on your standard of living.
There are poor in the world because we are rich. Do you know that 73% of Indian wealth is with 1% Indians? There are people who go to bed hungry, there are street-dwellers, people without toilets, street-children with no parents. Can you open up your purse? To paraphrase Gandhi: “Make sure there is enough for your need; because there will never be enough for your greed.”
Dr. Lilian Stanley
13 Church Colony
Vellore 632006, India
+91 9843511943
lilianstanley@gmail.com
Blessing Youth Mission
13 Church Colony
Vellore 632006, India
+91-416-2242943, +91-416-2248943
hq@bymonline.org
www.bymonline.org
Click here for more options
To buy books written by Dr. Lilian Stanley, kindly reach to us in the follwing address
Blessing Literature Centre
21/11 West Coovam River Road,
Chintadripet,
Chennai 600 002, India.
+91-44-28450411, 8806270699
blc@bymonline.org
Practise Poverty!
Reading: Luke 8:1-3; 2 Corinthians 8:1-5
“In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy
and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity.
For I testify that they gave as much as they were able,
and even beyond their ability” (2 Cor 8:2,3)
Mary Magdalene, Joanna the wife of Chuza, the manager of Herod’s household, Susanna and the many other women who were with Jesus were helping to support them out of their own means (Lk 8:1-3). Were they single or widowed or had their husband’s full support to serve Jesus? How did they manage this lifestyle?
Every woman desirous of changing this world a wee little bit is torn apart between her dream and her commitment to the family. Is it possible that you shirk off your responsibilities and immerse yourself in work that would bring you the joy of giving? Racked by insecurities about money, you shelve your dream and let it die.
May be there is a little spark at the depth of your heart crying out, “Sacrifice a little more so you can do more.” But you need to pay bills. House is a necessity. Car is not luxury today. Of course we can’t do without a TV and convent education for the children. Where do we stop the list and kindle the spark that is flickering?
May be our requirement is a lot less. It may help if you jot down a month’s expenses and see where you can cut down. There may be no need to buy new clothes, foreign vacations and fancy gadgets. You can serve a healthy meal of rice, curry and vegetable. One or two pairs of footwear will meet your needs. You can go to the wedding and birthday parties of the rich without a gift.
You may even consider resigning your fat-salaried job to take up social service for a lesser salary and a soul-enriching experience. Make sure that the basic needs of your family are met and invest the rest to uplift the poor. Give wings to your dream. Start small and grow. Pausing to ask the question, “How much do I really need?” can significantly change the direction of your life. Exercise a deliberate choice on your standard of living.
There are poor in the world because we are rich. Do you know that 73% of Indian wealth is with 1% Indians? There are people who go to bed hungry, there are street-dwellers, people without toilets, street-children with no parents. Can you open up your purse? To paraphrase Gandhi: “Make sure there is enough for your need; because there will never be enough for your greed.”
Dr. Lilian Stanley
13 Church Colony
Vellore 632006, India
+91 9843511943
lilianstanley@gmail.com
Blessing Youth Mission
13 Church Colony
Vellore 632006, India
+91-416-2242943, +91-416-2248943
hq@bymonline.org
www.bymonline.org
Click here for more options
To buy books written by Dr. Lilian Stanley, kindly reach to us in the follwing address
Blessing Literature Centre
21/11 West Coovam River Road,
Chintadripet,
Chennai 600 002, India.
+91-44-28450411, Mob:8806270699
blc@bymonline.org
