3 in 1

Poverty vs privilege

The walls were multi colored
The dirt floor covered with trash
The air thick in smoke smelling like rotten fish
Working all day to stay poor,
The family sat together with empty bellies

There were elegant designs on the marble walls
The floor was reflective and clean
From the celling hung a crystal chandelier
On his annual vacation
The man walked out of the bathroom and paid for his $200 meal.



Why?

Because He is love. Because he made us for fullness, and joy in relationship with him. Because everyone has this phenomenally beautiful opportune invitation, and we have the phenomenal opportunity to invite those who have not yet responded.

He is calling his bride. As we walk to him with doves eyes, a fixed gaze on him alone we portray the purpose of existence. We answer the question. We simply mirror his love.

Because the world is not experiencing this freedom. The richness of life is quenched by oppressors, greed, and selfishness. Even though I am the selfish one, I can respond out of God’s selflessness to extend his love to the needy.

Because complete satisfaction is where he made us to be, in his presence.


Fullness

It came to me on a bus in Bangkok. Thinking of the night before in a red-light bar in Phuket I realized the significance and simplicity. As I sat (with a ministry team) in front of a 19 year old girl serving drinks I was able to share with her about a hope unknown to her. I shared about another way of thinking, which gave value to her as a woman. There is available fullness, joy and purpose. She hated her job, so I told her of another way to make money outside the bar.

I realized on the bus, that unless I woke up that morning fully experiencing the intimate relationship with Jesus I told her about it was pointless. Was it just an idea, or a reality. The only reason for me to share about this freedom was to know it, and her only reason to respond was if she saw that I lived it.

Too often become able to talk about intimacy without experiencing it. I can write about it without growing in it. That night showed me yet agin how desperately I need this freedom as much as anyone.