Isn't it empowering to realize that the choice to be victorious is up to us? God wants us to succeed; He has given us the desire and ability to pursue it, and it is up to us whether or not to do so.When my husband and I were at [big-box-books] the other day, I saw a book titled: "You are poor because you choose to be!"
I was offended by that! Why was I offended by a book title? We are usually offended by things that are either abhorrent, or things that speak truths about us that we would rather not face up to.
It is really easy to (excuse the cliche) chalk things up to: Bad luck, the actions of others, being in the wrong place at the wrong time, etc., etc., etc.. However, it is really (really, really!) difficult to accept responsibility for our own failures and short-comings, to admit that: I am here because I chose (blank) over (blank).
Like I said to my husband yesterday: "If I were truly dedicated to finishing my books, I would be up every morning at 4am before the house got up." It is horribly uncomfortable truth for me!
I am finding that the truth behind our circumstances lies within our efforts, or lack thereof.
I am tired of being weak, bitter, and quick to blame others around me for my circumstances. I teach my son that we choose to be angry; people cannot "make" us angry. Good lesson, perhaps I should listen to myself!
I want to be victorious in my efforts: I choose to live victoriously!
You know, that book title— You are poor because you choose to be!
ReplyDelete—concerns me because the vast majority of poor in the world do not choose to be poor.
To me, poverty is the result greed. It is the mission of the servants of God to address it—both greed and the needs of the poor:
Is it not to share your bread with the hungry,
and bring the homeless poor into your house;
when you see the naked, to cover him,
and not to hide yourself from your own flesh?
Then shall your light break forth like the dawn,
and your healing shall spring up speedily;
your righteousness shall go before you,
the glory of the LORD shall be your rear guard.
(Isaiah 58.7-8)
Please forgive my mini sermon. I fear I became a bit verbose.