The most joyful worship service I have ever been a part of took place in a cinder block building on a trash heap. On mission in Cote d’Ivoire, we spent several days evangelizing in slum neighborhoods that were literally thrown together on landfills. And because these people didn’t own the land, the owners (often the government) periodically sent bulldozers in to raze everything to the ground without concern for the people or things living there. And yet, when people gathered in the church planted there, their hearts were turned to the Lord and they praised him with their whole being. Even though they had no money, very few possessions and absolutely zero sense of security in any of these things, many of them had put their faith fully in God. Their joy was absolutely contagious and had no connection whatsoever to their physical well-being or financial security.
How humbling! We so easily hold our fists tight, as Matt discussed in his sermon, and struggle to be open with our great prosperity. Even though we know in our heads that it all belongs to God, there is a big gap between knowing and living that out.
But what a transformation it makes in our lives, and the lives of those around us, when we truly live like God owns everything and we make that our priority. How can you be challenged today to take a next step toward God’s calling to be joyful with much or with little and to live generously with all that he has entrusted you?
-Lauren