For Such a Time As This
Why do we seek frugality? Why should we? Do the two questions have the same answer?
Do we just want to pay off our debts, get out of a hole, and then... what? Buy nice things? Get cool stuff?
There's not necessarily anything inherently wicked and unrighteous in having nice things. But if that is the only goal we have in sight- stuff, more of it, nice stuff, stuff for us, stuff for our kids, then we are missing an important point of living life as a human being amongst other human beings, all of us image bearers, made in the Creator's own image.
"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
One of the most important reasons to get out of debt, to free up your income a little so that the pressure between your income and your outgo does not squeeze you so tightly you cannot move, is to enable you to help others. If every penny you earn is already designated to go towards a bill and the bare necessities of life, then you cannot know the joys and blessings of being able to give profligately, generously, lavishly. You cannot even know the joys of giving moderately.
You can only share with others that which you already possess yourself.
Make no mistake: it is wealth that feeds the hungry, cures the sick, and mends the broken. Capitalism is the practical expression of freedom, and wealth allows the tangible expression of compassion. Right now, the Red Cross can use hard cash from capitalists more than sincere best wishes from penniless bystanders. Kind hearts and helplessness blend into despair.
But what can you do if you have not yet reached that point? There are some ideas here on how to help in Haiti when you don't have any money, or ways you can help in any tragedy or crisis when your funds slim, but your desire is strong.
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3 Responses to “For Such a Time As This”
January 18th, 2010 at 9:40 pm
Thank you for the reminder. Sometimes it’s so easy to get wrapped up in what we’re doing and forget the ultimate goal. Frugality can easily become selfishness if we forget why we’re saving our pennies.
January 20th, 2010 at 12:27 pm
“Capitalism is the practical expression of freedom, and wealth allows the tangible expression of compassion. Right now, the Red Cross can use hard cash from capitalists more than sincere best wishes from penniless bystanders. Kind hearts and helplessness blend into despair.”
Interesting idea. Economics is just a secular stand-in for religion, you know. Be careful where you put your faith.
January 22nd, 2010 at 5:04 am
I have been thinking about all this since Haiti…. I have not given any money yet but definitely will do.
If you live for possessions then you have nothing if say your house burned down…. If you live frugally I tend to think you seek comfort with friends and family far more you always keep the memories no matter what happens to useless possessions.
I am very upset with the way the world’s governments are not helping the Haitians… I need to read more but I heard the US gov was sending the army into the waters to stop Haitian refugee’s landing
…. These people need hands extended to help and as usual it seems the blogosphere is doing more than any government is.
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