It's come to my attention that what used to be my "family blog" is looking more like a "Dios Me Ve" blog. So, to eliminate confusion, there are now two different blogs. This blog will return to being about my experience and thoughts while living in Mexico.
Some of you are aware that I live with my two sons at Door of Faith Orphanage. For the past year and a half, I've been involved in a new off-site ministry in Ensenada called Dios Me Ve. To stay updated on that ministry, please go to diosmeve.blogspot.com . There you will see what I'm up to when I'm not in La Mision, at Door of Faith.
Recently, I've been doing my own personal study on what the Bible says about the poor, the fatherless, and the widow. I'm trying to get to God's perspective alone. I must admit, I've seen many "people's" perspective on "how" we should help them, "when" we should help, for "how long" we should help the poor, and even "why" we are poor.
I've also noticed that I hear when things are going "wrong" for a believer that it's because they "must being doing something right." They say "I'm under attack because I'm making the enemy mad." Although I think that this can be true, I don't think it's mostly true. It's not anymore true than the opposite belief that someone is suffering or having a bad time because they've down something "wrong" or "sinned."
I've seen this applied with the status of being poor. Although it is true that you can be poor because of laziness, drunkenness, haste and greed, etc; it's not always the case. Sometimes someone is poor because of being exploited by the rich....and 1 Samuel 2:7 says "The LORD sends poverty and wealth; he humbles and exalts." Still seems like God has the last word on who's poor and who's wealthy.
The other side of that assumption would lead to the conclusion that people are wealthy because they are "doing things right." Although, I agree this can be the case, it is not always the case. Again, in the end, God decides who are wealthy as well.
I am sure of this. It is not right to assume why someone is poor. Since I've been in Mexico, I've seen believers that you and I would consider poor. They love God with all their heart. They're content. They choose to live simply and are also "poor in spirit" depending on God to supply their every need. They don't share the gospel from the prospective of material gain. They realize that this world is not their home and look forward to the return of their Savior Jesus and to their new home in heaven.
I'm also sure of this. It's not right to assume why someone is wealthy. Yes, it can be because they are "doing things right", but not necessarily. Sometimes it is ill-gotten gain from preying on the emotions of others.
Personally, I wonder if it's a test to how we will respond to God and others. Do I follow Christ faithfully, even in the midst of poverty? Can I be content when my fellow Christian seems to have more than they know what to do with? Do I hold on to the little that I have in fear that God won't take care of my needs? Do I still trust in God in the midst of my prosperity? Do I trust in my blessings or horde them for the day when I "run out", or a "rainy day"? Do I snub other fellow Christians that have little because of the assumptions that I've made about their reasons for being poor?
May it be said of me like that of the apostle Paul. "I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength." Philippians 4:12,13
