For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. 1 Timothy 6:7-8
“Nobody who gets enough food and clothing in a world where most are hungry and cold has any business to talk about misery.”
C.S. Lewis in The Letters of C.S. Lewis to Arthur Greeves (1914-1963) (Springfield: Collier, 1986) Letter Dated 31 January 1917.
It’s Black Friday in America, where the shopping deals may seem too good to pass up. We always buy 24 poinsettias for $24 to give away during Advent. But we are careful to draw the line. What line?
Draw the line between what we need and what we want. As a family, we have learned to say “no” to those “gotta have it or I will be miserable” deals on things we want but can live without.
We do, however, scoop up the stuff we need for low prices. Doing this leaves us with more margin for living, giving, serving and loving within our means.
Lewis would remind us to remember the poor rather than just think about ourselves. As most of the world is “hungry and cold,” go through your pantry and closet and share some food and clothing with a local shelter.
Also, evaluate your giving and be sure to support organizations that helps deliver people from the misery of poverty in the name of Jesus. We recommend ministries such as Potter’s House or Visions of Hope Foundation.