Survival Requires No Money

Today’s reading: 1 Timothy 6:17-19

The word “survive” is tricky. It’s misuse is common in our modern age, even among the most educated and respected of speakers and writers, and I often catch myself committing this error of spiritual grammar.

Today’s reading reminds me that it is a fallacy to say, as I did just last week, “I could never survive on less than $25,000 a year.”

Survival, of course, has nothing to do with money.

“As for those who in the present age are rich, command them not to be haughty, or to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but rather on God who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.” (Verse 17)

I heard a story last year of a pastor who requested — and received — an unusual assignment. She asked to be made homeless. This brilliant woman is said to have great promise for a well-compensated career in large, stable church, yet she now roams the streets of her city for no pay at all.

I daresay her ministry is more effective than it would be from behind a pulpit.

As I think of my fallacy about the futility of earning just $25,000 per year, it occurs to me that I don’t make a whole lot more than that, actually. But I certainly make more money than say, Mahatma Gandhi or Mother Theresa did during their lives.  And those two grand souls are among the best “survivors” of all time.

Thanks be to God for giving all of us everything we need for a life of joy. May I always remember to use his gifts wisely.