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Taking Nothing

I didn't bring a single solitary thing into this old world on the day of my birth, and I ain't gonna take anything with me when I draw my final breath. This is an undeniable, universal truth and no one can get around it. No material thing lasts beyond our life span...we will not care one lick about any of it. If we give it any thought at all, it will be to wonder why we cared so much for "things" and "money" and why we didn't give more...and more...and more.

   
     1Timothy 6:7-8  We brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. 
So there it is. Herein lies the proverbial rub. How do we do this? How are we western-cultured, red-blooded Americans, capitalists to our core, ever going to be able to live like this? HOW?

Well, as far as I know, the only way to live a life content with food and clothing (if that's all you've got, but that ain't all you've got) is to live in the moment. Take it one day at a time - and if need be, take it one hour, one minute at a time. Forcibly slow down the mental rat-race that constantly screams you must have more, be more, do more, achieve more, save more, take more, and more...more...more. Stop thinking! Just take a deep breath, and live in the now. That's how a Christian living in the good ole US of A in 2017 can live a truly contented life. By being thankful for what we have, and not letting tomorrow rob us of today.

Are you in debt up to your eyeballs? Trying to figure out how to pay for your kid's college education? Concerned about retirement? Owe a few too many medical bills? Afraid to start tithing? (re: tithing, just do it - do it afraid if you must, but do it!) Aware of some big expense coming in the near future, but unaware how to cover said expense?

Good.

It's a good place to be, when you have to trust the Lord and take him squarely at His Word. Make a decision to be content today with such things as you have, live a grateful and generous life before God and man, and see what He does to take care of you. Live in the now.

Day 345 done :)

Jan L. Burt
author of The Homeschooling Mothers Bible Study


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