Do you have a purpose in life, or just a job? Are you really going toward a clear destination in life, or just going along for the ride? If you evaluate your life honestly, what does it actually mean? Do you find yourself acquiring more and more, or are you giving more of yourself and your possessions away to those who are in all kinds of need?
These are the questions to ask when assessing whether or not you’re moving along God’s track or just moving along with the herd. Consider this as something that might be God’s will for you: one less for one more. Take one less for yourself to give one more for your neighbor in need. This is something we’ll start talking about now and revisit for the next few months.
Here are some possibilities:
- Spend a dollar less on your groceries this week in to give one more to some hunger program.
- Share or cut out one desert so that the money could be given to charity/missions.
- Turn off TV and spend time with your family. The money you just saved on the power—put it towards a need.
- If you want another pair of shoes or new dress, give one of your old ones away.
As you think about it, this list becomes endless. Such things done regularly and deliberately get God’s attention, develop our character, and mature our faith. They also get the attention of our unbelieving neighbors and make them realize that we’re not just like everyone else running after a materialistic dream for more and more (but never getting enough).
Let’s astonish our friends with some genuine Christian behavior for a change, instead of confirming one more time that when it comes down to it, Christians are really no different. They just talk all the talk without caring about the walk.
Also, it happens from time to time that those who do such sacrificial things trying to honor God in this way often end up with even more than they would have had by trying to get it for themselves. Not that this should be our motivation in sacrificing (we can’t ever fake God out!), but it’s just one of those things God likes to do whenever people renounce the obsession with their own needs and desires and seek his.
I absolutely love one-less-for-one-more! God bless you, Shirin, for this! You have truly blessed me and given me much to think about and incorporate into my life, as I have been desiring to downsize. At the same, I acknowledge and confess that I continue to “acquire” more of my addictions: Christian music and books (as well as also being a word-game addict). So this post is a true God-send for me, especially as I am taking part in a 35-Day Challenge to speak my heart to at least 3 non-Christian friends by the end of the Challenge. For me, this is not merely a short-term project, but a life-long journey that is teaching me how to tenderly speak into the hearts and lives of those who are lost without our Blessed Saviour. Yet, I cannot possibly do so if I am not living out His Love walk.
Thank you so much for helping me with another step in my journey toward living as Jesus would want me to live. I want to share this with everyone I know!
Brenda, Your response is a blessing to me. Yes, it’s so easy to get lost in our consumer-driven culture, even when it’s acquiring good things! Please keep me posted on your journey and thank you for sharing from your heart.
I have been reducing for some time now. Over 5 years ago, God put it in my heart and it’s been easy to give stuff away that I do not need. It’s also easy for me not to buy extra, as I really don’t like shopping. What is now my challenge, is giving things of sentimental value. I’m always amazed at how God prepares us to do His will. A few weeks ago, my heart was challenged to reduce so more. “Would I be able to live a one bedroom apartment”, Well, NO, because as I look around my home, there is way too much still. Every time I go on mission trips, I come back and know that I have more than I will ever need. Getting rid of something with no sentimental value is not so hard; it’s the other stuff. Finding the right person who would care and enjoy the memories of what was passed down to me from generations past. God is very patient and also, as I am giving away those treasures, I receive freedom and joy. He does prepare us; in my case it’s been a slow process, yet it’s working. I may never live in a one bedroom apart. Yet, there may be room for others to share this home with at some point in time.
Hi Nicole! That’s very inspiring — thanks for telling us about it. Would love to pass on your story. I feel the same way as you do. Every time we return from the mission field, I realize how little you need to be happy and content. On the mission field, you don’t have to ask yourself twice whether what you’re doing is making a difference — thank God the results are so immediate! I do have tons of memorabilia — especially Christmas items that people have loving made or given to us in the various churches we’ve been at, but those I cherish! And, of course, all the sweet baby things!! Thanks for willing to use your home for others! I love what Paul says in Phil 4 — “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.”
go ahead it’s ok to pass on the story, just not my email please.
Thanks. Will do. Actually, we never pass on anyone’s e-mails. Blessings for a wonderful weekend!