Too Busy, Too Broke

“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 (NLT)

          We are all guilty of not doing enough for the Kingdom. We know we should be “all in” when it comes to serving God and His church, but we can’t because we are “too busy.” Not only that, but we also can’t give our money to help others because “we don’t have any extra money to spare.” Look, I get it, times are tough. The economy isn’t what it used to be. I understand.

          You may not be in a position to give a “love offering” to pay off your neighbors mortgage or donate your mini van to the youth group. Certainly there are other ways you can make a difference though, right? Even if they seem small or insignificant? But how? What are some practical ways we can live out our faith and serve the Kingdom?

          Let me ask you this: How much time do you spend watching television? How much money do you spend on your cable/satellite bill each month? Would you be willing to sacrifice the NFL Network or Lifetime Movies in order to further the Kingdom? What if your $90 a month satellite bill went towards new school supplies for kids attending your local school that can’t afford them? Could you give up watching The Voice one evening to spend an hour mowing grass for the widow that lives next door?

          There is nothing wrong with watching television or spending your money on things you enjoy. My goal isn’t to shame anyone for the way they choose to spend their time and money. My point is, there are things we could all do differently. Sometimes I think I don’t have the time or resources to help in certain areas so I don’t even pursue it. The truth is that I am just spending my time and resources on other things that I am unwilling to give up. Are you willing to reallocate your time and money away from your kingdom and into His?

          James 1:27 tells us that God expects us to care for those around us and to refuse to be polluted by the world. Are you willing to give up something of this world in order to impact the next? Look, you don’t have to be a millionaire to impact people’s lives for Christ. Making small sacrifices can make a big difference to the people around you. We just have to decide if we are really “all in,” or if our religion is the type that is better enjoyed at home alone in our living rooms.

5.18.17

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