He Became Poor
Christmas has me thinking about a man who pretended to be poor. He left the wealthiest kingdom of all time to become a simple tradesman. He left the most powerful social status to become a peasant. He left glory to be scapegoated, and left honor to be humiliated. He released the use of divine power to take the form of a helpless human infant.
You know the generous grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty he could make you rich. (2 Corinthians 8:9)
He became poor so we might become rich. This phrase has haunted me this holiday season. What does it mean? The love, joy, and peace that comes from knowing Jesus cannot be surpassed by the best investment portfolio, the nicest house, or the most successful career. We owe our family, friends, health, talents, material provision, and so much more to the Giver of all good gifts. We truly have been made rich in every way by the One who pretended to be poor for our sake. He paid the debt we owed Him, that we could never repay no matter how hard we tried. He paid it at great personal expense–becoming poor, and giving His life.
This is why we write about pretending to be poor and sharing with the truly poor:
“He will make you rich in every way so that you can always give freely. And your giving through us will cause many to give thanks to God.” (2 Corinthians 9:11)
We are far from perfect at giving freely. But we will continually the beat the drum of generosity here and in our own lives because we’re forever astonished by the sacrifice Jesus made for us.
Merry Christmas!
Yes, I’ve been reflecting on similar things this Christmas season. He became poor, and he was born in the most humble circumstances! It’s worth pausing and meditating on those verses. Merry simple Christmas!
Merry Christmas to you, Emily!
It is definitely a worth goal, however, in today’s world it is difficult to determine who is truly poor. With all the government assistance that is available, some people who have little earned income actually are taking in the equivalent of about $40,000 through subsidies etc. I remember as a child, my parents who were rather poor themselves, would always chip in so the kids in a poor family could eat the Christmas dinner the school had for it’s lunch before school dismissed for the season. Now, you hear about so many scams that you have to be careful who you give money to. Going through some established charities might be the best way.
I agree; we certainly believe in researching charities before donating money and are glad to have found a couple we can trust.
Wonderful Christmas message, and something I need to reflect on over the next few days. So much of life seems to be focused on accumulating wealth, safety, independence, “retirement”, optimal health, etc. and it’s difficult as a Christian to not think of how meaningless some of this is in the end.
It really is hard not to obsess about those topics, especially when writing a personal finance blog. I try to remind myself that our goal is to manage these resources well, without making it the sole purpose of our lives. Merry Christmas!
Good message and it puts in perspective what’s important. I don’t want to be poor ever. But if your rich and cant put your family first its unfortunate. Happy Holidays.
Merry Christmas!
So perfect and relevant. I love this, thanks so much for sharing!!
Thanks, Mandy!
This is my first time visiting your blog and what a great first article to read. I love how so many PF bloggers are focused not so much on making money as they are living holistic lives. However, it really is a tricky balance – focusing on money without making money your focus. Have a wonderful end to your holidays and I’m sure that God will give you many more opportunities to serve him in this coming year.
It is a tricky balance, I agree! Thank you for the holiday wishes and encouragement. Happy New Year!
Thanks for the great article, as always. Truly inspiring.
Cheers
MrRicket
http://www.myricketyroad.com
Thanks Mr. Ricket!
Thank you for such a wise post this Vhristmas and New Years. Thank you for sharing your faith which obviously motivates you all in beautiful ways. May the Lord bless you beyond measure in ways only He can.
I hope you’ve had a wonderful Christmas season. Given your attitude, I strongly suspect you have. All the best for 2018.
Thanks, Ruth! Same to you!