One minute read.
Daily Reading: Ezekiel 42:1-43:27, James 5:1-20, Psalm 119:1-16, Proverbs 28:6-7
Daily Verse: “Better is a poor man who walks in his integrity than a rich man who is crooked in his ways.” Prov. 28:6
Honest poverty.
Wealthy people who acquire their riches from dishonest means can’t compete with honest poverty. Money, although necessary for life, doesn’t define it. And doesn’t mean happiness.
When I think of some of the happiest people I’ve met, I always think of El Salvador. Living in abject poverty, with no doors on the mud homes, no glass panes on the window, trash piled everywhere, and a bacteria-filled water cistern sitting beside their tiny abode, they lived an abundant life in Christ.
After hosting us for lunch, they ushered us into their church, an empty room with old plastic chairs and chickens. Singing in off-key voices, accompanied by a lone guitar, their joyous faces praised the Lord amidst honest poverty.
In contrast to money-obsessed people with no integrity, willing to do anything for more, their faces don’t emulate joy.
Focusing on Christ and finding things to praise Him over will bring peace, no matter your circumstances. Honest poverty brings more joy than dishonest wealth.
Lord, thank You for providing all our needs. Forgive us for any lack of integrity we have done. Help us find joy in our circumstances as we focus on Jesus, praising Him for the work He does in our lives. IJNIP. Amen
