Food and Clothing

And He said to them, "Whose image and inscription is this?" They said to Him, "Caesar's." And Jesus answered and said to them, "Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's." And they marveled at Him. (Mark 12:16-17 NKJV)

And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. (1 Timothy 6:8-10 NKJV)

Give me neither poverty nor riches—
Feed me with the food allotted to me;
Lest I be full and deny You,
And say, "Who is the LORD?"
Or lest I be poor and steal,
And profane the name of my God.
(Proverbs 30:8-9 NKJV)

Few things cause us more stress than money, whether we possess it in abundance or poverty. Money of itself is not evil, nor is it an ends, but merely a means—a means to obtain necessities of food and clothing, a means to foolish and harmful lusts.

Are we wise enough to ask for neither poverty nor riches? The phenomenally successful Christian singer Rich Mullins (1955-1997) chose to receive only $24,000 a year from his accountant. He died as he lived, while driving his own jeep on the way to perform a benefit concert.

"Wealth consists not in the abundance of our possessions, but in the fewness of our wants." (Author unknown, and forgive me for repeating it.) Whatever our economic condition through recession, we can be content with adequate food and clothing. Everything more is gravy.

Lord, You have blessed us abundantly, perhaps too much so if our wealth distracts us from You. It is difficult to see so many people in financial distress right now. Please give us words and deeds of compassion even as we search out the simpler lifestyle to which You call us.

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