Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Missionary (10/19/06)
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TITLE: MISSION: "NOT" IMPOSSIBLE | Previous Challenge Entry
By Stephanie Pearre
10/20/06 -
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While sitting here balancing my checkbook, I notice something--well, a couple of things actually. First, I'm broke! Second, all I have done is paid the basic bills! Also, I think I'm forgetting something? What could it be? Oh, that's right, tithing!
It is a sad fact that I am not the only one who tends to overlook this major issue. And not only tithing but also our "calling" as the body of Christ. Our "mission" so to speak.
Tithing is only one aspect. How many of us actually tithe and, when we do, how much do we tithe? Ten percent? The majority of us, I fear, FEEL we cannot afford it. Stepping out in faith in this can be a very hard pill to swallow. Will God REALLY meet our needs if we give back to him what is due? What if we can't pay our bills? So many what ifs.
Why are so many of us in this situation anyway--living hand to mouth week by agonizing week? Could it be poor choices, living above our means, or simply pure greed? We need to keep up with the Jones' after all!
For so many years, my husband and I have been imprisoned by debt. What is sad is that, over the past 7 years or so, we have been struggling to get out of it! Easier said than done! Our debt is growing all of the time because of outrageous interest rates. Our credit score? I would rather not say!
My heart has been burdened. I have laid down my cares to God every night for years. I want so much to get out of this hole I am in. I want to sow my money into what counts--God's kingdom and God's people.
Thankfully money is only one aspect of carrying out our vocation as Christians. We can also give of ourselves--prayers, volunteer work, and just plain letting His light shine out of us in our everyday lives.
We do not have to become foreign missionaries. There is plenty of work for domestic missionaries all around us. All it takes it looking around at family, friends, and coworkers to see that there are lost souls right at our front door.
In 2 Timothy 4:5 (NASB), Paul says, "But you, be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry." We are called to preach the gospel right here, right now, whether it is sending money to help other missionaries, our actions, or our words. That is our mission. We are ordinary people called to do an extraordinary thing through the power of the Holy Spirit living in us.
My bills? God has begun to answer prayers and things are looking better. This time around, I pray that my husband and I will be better financial stewards of GOD'S money. One day, because of God's grace and our obedience to his calling, may we all hear Jesus say, "Well done my good and faithful servant!" (Matthew 25:21; NIV)
October 19, 2006
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