tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23528497.post114382622447701978..comments2023-07-14T11:39:32.270-04:00Comments on Poiesistheou: More Thoughts on Apostolic PovertyChrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02002617931455281500noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23528497.post-1145412616961421292006-04-18T22:10:00.000-04:002006-04-18T22:10:00.000-04:00Chris, Well said. I agree, it is crucial as Chris...Chris, <BR/>Well said. I agree, it is crucial as Christians to begin addressing these issues. And as you mentioned in the previous entry, the lines are growing blurry. I think you'd agree - I have no issue with success, money, power, or previous blessings - but I am now finally feeling the weight of having to make decisions with God first, others second, and myself last. This concept that Christ so clearly states - first will be last, last will be first - is hard. It goes against everything we've ever been taught. Which brings me to my next thought, we often take the parable of the talants as an excuse to save and to invest wisely. I go one step further, is that our money to invest. I believe the talent parable was referring to money that was entrusted to them that they would have to hand back over. I fear that we don't live that way. I take anything that is mine - minus the 10% that goes to the church - and I invest with my own personal gain in mind. As you were saying with the coffee, you are too worried about not studying hard enough and your grades/rest/comfort/etc to really see the results. Why do we ever consider ourselves. Of what importance is a grade/an hour of sleep/a new article of clothing? I hate that I even consider me. For there are so many out there that can really be affected by a dollar, but they don't even come to mind. My concern... I'm not willing to be last. To be in the middle is hard enough, but the last... no thank you, not for me. We need to grow comfortable being dead last, at least comfortable with the idea. <BR/><BR/>But it's clear your heart is here brother. Keep pushing. Keep wrestling. I'm grateful to have a man of your caliber to process with. Keep me posted with your discoveries. In Him.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com