I've been reading through a book called God's Smuggler. Its about the life and ministry of Brother Andrew - a missionary that labored behind the Iron Curtain, bringing bibles to Christians in Communist countries. The book is amazing and I can't thank Jenny enough for lending it to me! The bulk of what I've received from this read is how supernatural provision was supplied to Brother Andrew - from cars to travel fare. He lived in a zone through faith that could see beyond natural means. He never lacked anything he needed because God would provide for him. God taught Brother Andrew that His servants shouldn't be known as beggars (Hello, American Christianity!!!) and that provisions would come in a "royal" fashion to accomplish the King's work - and the provisions always came to him in such a manner.
At one point in the book God dealt with this man of God about having an "attitude of lack". He lived very frugal with his young family - not buying new clothing, living from a garden in their backyard, eating less meat and more veggies, etc. I would see this as being a very responsible steward of what God would provide for him, yet God addressed this as a poverty mentality. God provided just what they needed to accomplish in their ministry in closed countries, and He also wanted them to learn to enjoy his physical blessings as well - such as a new dress for his wife or fixing up their small home. They continued to live frugal as they both grew up very poor and knew no other way of life - but God had changed their attitude about His provisions from viewing them as rations to stretch as far as they could to a bountiful supply given by the King.
My question is at what point does frugal living cross the line and become an "attitude of lack"? When does our good stewardship change into a lack of faith in God's supply?
And, to address the other extreme - when do we cross the line from being thankful for God's abundant supply in our life into living for ourselves and our own pleasures rather than for the glory of God?
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Lady, your last questions have hit the mark for my life right now. To what point am I suppose to be content with where we are living and not want to be somewhere else? The only difference for me right now is that I know God has a plan for us in the near future. Everytime we think about doing things on our own, I remind my self that if I don't wait for God's timing, I will not be in God's will.
Hmmm...good question. I want to read that book as well.
For me, the "line" is crossed when we become proud of our frugal lifestyle...just the way it is when we become proud of all the blessings God has given us. Pride...that foundation of most, if not all of our sin,takes our eyes off of the author of life and onto ourselves. One can certainly find himself proud of himself in a variety of ways.
Judy
Brian and I were discussing all this again last night. I think we are frugal when we do things naturally as good stewards. For instance, when we had three children in diapers it wasn't a difficult decision for us to use cloth diapers. And, we don't eat out a lot b/c we can eat healthier and cheaper at home. We don't feel that we are lacking anything by doing frugal things - but we do feel we are managing our income with wisdom.
We weren't lacking faith for God to provide us with money to put our kids in disposable diapers - we just felt it would be a stupid waste week to week. That money could be put to use in many other ways!
And, another thing we realized last night was that we must have an open hand toward God with everything we own. Hold nothing back. We are to be about the King's business - at times that means blessings and at times that may mean doing without.
1 Timothy 6:6-19.
My answer would be that it is very important to be close to the Lord and hear Him; just as the man was in the book you are reading. He let the Lord guide him as he was frugal, learned to not have a poverty mentalit, etc.
May I be bold and state not having a poverty mentality is not going to be a problem for a lot of Americans. LOL! I mean, according to statistics most Americans live beyond themselves and go so far as to incur debt in all kinds of ways: home, car, credit card, TV (w/no financing for 1 year!), etc. Now, don't get me wrong - we have a mortgage payment - but hopefully you "get" what I'm saying?
Sorry for the abstract reply. I just wrote a long post on my blog about being sick and tired of abstract fluff! But, in a case like this; who can answer such heavy, personal questions for one but God himself? He alone knows our hearts and personal ambitions, etc.
Totally, Giz! I mean, a person living in a simple home striving to get rich through extreme frugal living may be in sin before God whereas the wealthy family up the street living in the huge house may open their home to the poor and orphaned, may give endlessly to missionaries and charities around the world thus using their wealth for the Kingdom. God sees the heart!!!
Absolutely, lori! You hit the nail on the head...it's ALWAYS about the motive of the heart! Judy
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