Intentionally looking to seek others needs

I have heard a lot about Advent Conspiracy (http://adventconspiracy.org) this year, and each time I do it cause me to stop and think about my situation and how I need to work to make sure I remember those who walk a very different life. For example:

• Our world has about 6.5 billion people.
• Over 1 billion of those people do not have clean drinking water. 
• 2 million people (90% are children) die each year due to water borne illnesses.
• That equals about one child every 15 seconds.
• Approximately every 6 seconds a child dies of hunger.

I have to work every day to remember that my daily life drastically puts me out of proportion with others that are less fortunate. I have a roof over my head, food in my house, running water, heat, clothes, a bed, safety, possessions, electricity….and the list goes on. My income places me in the top 1% of the world (http://www.globalrichlist.com/). I work for one of the top 10 largest companies in the world. I serve as part of the largest account for my company, servicing the largest software company in the world, started by the 3rd richest man in the world. It would be so easy to look at all I have and all that those around me have, and to just desire more.

Instead, I choose to intentionally seek to keep others at the forefront of my mind. Here are few ideas that I have been working on:

• Hang pictures over my desk of those that have less than I do, and post their names with them so they are not nameless faces.
• Tithe faithfully to my church.
• Give offerings and donations above my tithe at a rate that increases each year (I would love to reach a point of giving away more than I live on someday!)
• Spend time regularly with others in my local community that have less than I do.
• Challenge myself to give in some way every time I hear of a need. (Sometimes the best way I can give is through prayer or making a connection between two people. It doesn’t always cost me time or money.)
• Regularly read things that keep me informed about the needs of others, especially those that are least like me (different country, culture, age, race, religion, political/social system, etc.).
• Each year seek to learn about one significant humanitarian crisis or need and find a way to be involved in some way.
• Give away things I have not used with a six month period.
• Ask myself ever time before I spend any money if the purchase is something I should do. The less I spend the more I have to give away.
• Talk with others about needs around the world and in my local community.
• Seek out relationships with others that challenge my views on giving, serving, sharing, listening, and receiving.

Allowing God to break your heart

I am reading a book, The Dangerous Act of Worship: Living God’s Call to Justice. The book speaks of us being asleep and needing to awaken to the needs around us and to God’s call and commands regarding how we should live in relation to each other, especially those in need.

Yesterday I was speaking with a Christian in my community who said they have a hard time working with those in need because they don’t want to be exposed to the pain and suffering. The conversation was such a stark contrast to what I am reading in The Dangerous Act of Worship. It made me really sad. I pray that individual will allow things into their life that God can use to break their heart and shape and grow them.

Are you living with an awakened heart? Do you allow yourself to feel, be exposed to those in need, see suffering, and feel pain? Would you be open to God calling you to work with someone that would move you out of your comfort zone? Would you be open to God calling to to do something, move somewhere, or sacrifice something you current don’t want to let go of? Are you allowing God to break open your heart? Maybe like the Grinch our hearts can grow three sizes today!

Default setting

What is your default setting? If you are not paying attention, being intentional, and working at life what do you fall back to? This could be attitudes, beliefs, actions, interactions toward others, etc. Are you even aware of what your default setting(s) are? It might take some work to figure it out.

Now, what if we worked to change our default settings? How do we do that? What would you change them to?

A few months ago I packed up my life, moved to a different part of America, and started a new life. On the surface the decision has been explained as I came here to be a part of a church plant, but in reality to goes much deeper. I want to change my default setting. I want to live a life that is different from how I lived in the past. I have been doing a lot of reflecting this week about what steps I have taken toward that, and what the next steps should be in that journey. Living a life that is intentional and different from our default settings takes a lot of work, but when it moves us closer to God it is well worth it. I challenge you to take a look at your default settings and think about how to move them closer to God’s standards and away from the world’s standards.

Rethinking my giving

Matthew 6:19-20 
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.

So why is it I feel an obligation to buy physical things, package them well, and give them to others? What would it look like if I was able to give treasures in heaven to those I love the most this holiday season?