 I started re-reading Making Jesus Lord today. I've read about laying down my rights to having a family, money, and reputation. And something really stuck out to me.
"Christianity that costs nothing, is worth nothing"
It makes me think...I am used to the thought of the sacrifice of money, one that seems to stereotype and follow missionaries around, one that although God may have us lay down our finances before him doesn't mean that we are supposed to live in this 'poverty-woe-is-me mentality' and its a mind-struggle sometimes to not wear this poverty mentality as a coat over us.
But what about other costs.. like that of being understood? It seems like that one feels more unfair to me. I hate feeling misunderstood...especially about what i am doing, or my dreams.. I dont like being labeled. And what about the cost of your favorite past times? Or things you 'thought' you would do but aren't doing anymore? Which do you put first - your 'ministry', the thing you felt God called you to do, or your family? What is the balence? So many questions.. it reminds me though of what Paul Martinson said at the staff retreat, about how asking the hard questions is what keeps us growing in our faith. Maybe this is just one of those times. |
sounds like youre doing a lot of thinking...these are good points youre talking about...thanks for blogging! love ya!