We live in a world that constantly
bombards us with messages of more is better. Western culture
is steeped in consumerism. We
worship at the altar of materialism. It never satisfies; it
never is enough.
This way of thinking is called the scarcity mentality. It promotes
an attitude of selfishness and fear. We are consumed with getting
our fix of the next thing. We live in dread of losing what we
have. The sad part is that what we have we so rarely value.
Everything is so disposable.
This goes against the grain of our faith. Jesus Christ wants to give
us bread that is truly filling. He wants us to drink the water that really quenches
our thirst. This bread and water-real food and drink-is paradoxical. It
is free to all. Yet, it comes with a great price. We must
deny our selves and all our self-gratifying wishes.
Plenty For Everybody
There is a different way of living from the scarcity mentality. God's
way is abundance. Instead of pie that is only so big with a
limited number of slices we can make more pie! Instead of grabbing
for our piece we give thanks, break bread and have more than
enough. It's the miracle of loaves and fishes!
None of us who live with the scarcity mentality are going to find
it easy to change. I live in the United States, the richest
country in the world. We already have so much and we are so
wasteful that it is hard to begin to comprehend doing with less.
And I could do with less in a big way and still not get close
to the poverty of others.
Attitude Adjustment
A major attitude change has to take place. No
wonder Christ told us we can be in the world, but not of the
world. We can't love both mammon (money/worldly possessions)
and God. We shall not put the god of this world before the one
true God.
I don't think God wants us to live in poverty. He knows what we
need (Matt 6:25-33) and He will provide for us, as long as we
are dedicated to righteousness and His kingdom. It is much more
important for our soul to be prosperous.
So how do we get there?
It's a process. We must admit our way is the wrong way, completely
surrender, accept the gift of salvation and "pick up our
cross and follow". This will probably continue for your
lifetime. It starts with knowing that enough is enough. We don't
need more of what the world gives. We must realize with unending
gratitude that God's abundance is enough-enough for life here,
and hereafter.
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"Therefore I tell you, do
not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or
about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important
than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look
at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store
away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are
you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying
can add a single hour to his life?
"And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies
of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you
that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like
one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the
field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the
fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?
So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall
we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after
all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you
need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness,
and all these things will be given to you as well.
