By Peter Judd of Des Moines, Iowa USA
For the kingdom of God is not food and drink but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. The one who thus serves Christ is acceptable to God and has human approval.
Being raised in a working-class family, I knew we did not have much by way of material things. But we had enough, and I never felt poor. When I was a grammar school student in England, and when I was in college and graduate school, I studied economics. This is essentially the study of efficiency: getting the most from the least. So it was natural that I did my best to accumulate things in case I might need them in the future. I avoided waste at all cost—and still do.
On one occasion after I met my wife, she told me she was delighted to find she had $1.37 in her bank account after her bills were paid. She felt rich. This helped me on my ongoing journey to discover I have enough, and more material goods do not make me richer. We now enjoy a life of abundance together. We have enough and to spare—enough to share with others in need and with the church to benefit its ministries around the world.
I was given the gift of wisdom, and in my later years have chosen to receive it and use it more fully. My riches lie in relationships, not money, and I believe I have a better sense of what is right. My life has been long in blessings, and who knows if it will be long in years. I constantly feel surrounded by God’s love and am eternally thankful for God’s ongoing presence in my life.
Prayer Phrase
“…do good and share what you have” (Hebrews 13:16).
Enough and to Spare
Take three slow, deep breaths. As you inhale, silently say, “There is enough.” As you exhale, say, “And more to share.” Then name aloud or write down three ways you already experience God’s generosity in your life—big or small. End by asking, “How can I share from what I’ve been given today?”
Today’s Prayer for Peace
Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.