Dim stars are still bright.

A Christian shines the light of God for the world to see. Few will become famous theologians or televangelists. Does that mean that we are any less loved by God, because we are not blessed with fame or dazzling success?

John 21:19-23. [Jesus] said to [Peter], “Follow Me!” 20Peter, turning around, saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following them;[...] 21So Peter seeing him said to Jesus, “Lord, and what about this man?” 22Jesus said to him, “If I want him to remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow Me!” 23Therefore this saying went out among the brethren that that disciple would not die; yet Jesus did not say to him that he would not die, but only, “If I want him to remain until I come, what is that to you?” (Emphasis my own)

Why are we so caught up with comparing what we have to what those around us have, even into the realm of spirituality and God? What is it to us if God has chosen to bless someone else with what you want? And yet, it hurts.

In a sky filled with stars, some are brighter than others. Many dimmer stars, white dwarfs, can look at one blue giant and say, "If only I was that bright! No one notices me because I'm so dim. I wish God had made me to be brighter. Then I could be great, and happy!" Most stars can find one brighter than them. But a planet can only orbit around a smaller star. The people on that planet only know their star, which thinks itself dim, to be the brightest thing they know, and they absolutely depend on it for life. If it were dimmer, they would freeze. And if it were brighter, as it wished, its excessive power would heat up the planet and they would burn.

No matter how much or how little pull we have in the grand scheme of things, every single person has a handful of others in their orbit that they affect daily, by their behavior and words. We are called to show the light of God to these people right around us, to those we can reach where we are, our neighbors, friends, and family. We may be the only light they can see.

Matthew 5:16 "Let your light shine"

To live for God beyond Sunday.

"Whatever you do, do well." Ecclesiastes 9:10

Work to grow closer to God in every action. 

14“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; 15 nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16“Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven. Matthew 5

The harvest is plenty, and the workers are few, so that the only real encounter with Christianity some people have, the only Bible they will read, is the actions of a Christian, your actions. Walk with God always, looking for opportunities to serve someone. If you ever want to share the gospel (and you probably will), first be a witness with your life, showing love to your enemies, coworkers and neighbors. And then into a fertile spirit will your words fall, if God is willing.

“Preach the gospel at all times; when necessary, use words” - St. Francis of Assisi.

How much is a life worth?

How much is a life worth? Is it priceless to God? to me?

"Are not two sparrows sold for a cent? And yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So do not fear; you are more valuable than many sparrows." Matthew 10:29-31

If a family of 4 can live on less than $10 a week, if a child can be fed for $15 a month, then is it right for me to get that new pair of shoes that are on sale, that I don't really need, that will sit in the closet, unworn and forgotten after a month, instead of donating money?
If I donate something else, like my time, blood, used cars, or professional skills, does that make it ok to in essence waste the resources I have been given? What did I do the last time I had a large chunk of free time? The last time I was bored? Did I seek out entertainment, to consume, or did I do something helpful, to serve or encourage?

Despite these questions rolling around in my head, I am not supposed to be crippled by guilt because I was born into a more wealthy country. I am to use the resources entrusted to me in the best way I can, as I should do everything I do. "Whatever you do, do well. For in the grave, where you are going, there is neither working, nor planning, nor knowledge, nor wisdom." Ecclesiastes 9:10

I must still do what I can, fight the war with the weapons of more education and money, to deal a blow to the enemy. "From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked." Luke 12:48. Because I can do more than those who need help, I must do more. But in the end I put my trust in God. In a war of this size, only He can make an impact. He will care for the poor unreached by my hands, He will use my talents and resources where they will fit into His plan the best. So I give over command of the fight to Him. It is God's war, and it will be His victory, when the pain and suffering stop. Until then, I am a footsoldier ready to jump into action when called to do my part.

I may give up something I really want to make sure I can fully tithe, to give my money to the God who gave it to me, but I may find peace and joy in the love of God in the midst of the battle. I am not guilty of a lack of compassion for the poor, the hungry, the widow, the orphan, simply because I have a new pair of shoes. But I am if I constantly, flagrantly overspend.

To end, here is a parable of Jesus from Matthew 25 about servants using what their master had lent them.
     14“For it is just like a man about to go on a journey, who called his own slaves and entrusted his possessions to them. 15“To one he gave five talents, to another, two, and to another, one, each according to his own ability; and he went on his journey. 16“Immediately the one who had received the five talents went and traded with them, and gained five more talents. 17“In the same manner the one who had received the two talents gained two more. 18“But he who received the one talent went away, and dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money.
      19“Now after a long time the master of those slaves came and settled accounts with them. 20“The one who had received the five talents came up and brought five more talents, saying, ‘Master, you entrusted five talents to me. See, I have gained five more talents.’ 21“His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful slave. You were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.’
      22“Also the one who had received the two talents came up and said, ‘Master, you entrusted two talents to me. See, I have gained two more talents.’ 23“His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful slave. You were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.’
      24“And the one also who had received the one talent came up and said, ‘Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow and gathering where you scattered no seed. 25‘And I was afraid, and went away and hid your talent in the ground. See, you have what is yours.’
      26“But his master answered and said to him, ‘You wicked, lazy slave, you knew that I reap where I did not sow and gather where I scattered no seed. 27‘Then you ought to have put my money in the bank, and on my arrival I would have received my money back with interest. 28‘Therefore take away the talent from him, and give it to the one who has the ten talents.’

      29“For to everyone who has, more shall be given, and he will have an abundance; but from the one who does not have, even what he does have shall be taken away. 30“Throw out the worthless slave into the outer darkness; in that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

http://irfanrasyid.blogspot.com/2010/01/food-costs-all-around-world.html