Not About Me November {Day 13}

Luxury or Poverty, it's Just Not About Me

The first time I thought about luxury being something to display God’s glory/character was in Russia. It seems the entire city is built out of concrete and is not the least bit appealing. But the churches were a completely different story. They are built with such beauty because the builders wanted to show the city what God was like, that He was a beautiful God. 

I have a tendency to think that luxury is a waste, and more and more I don't think I'm alone. I've heard comments from many believers frustrated about things like a church paying 100,000 for a fountain. It's hard for many students I work with to see luxury in a church and not wonder about all the poor kids in Africa and wonder why the money isn't going there. A good heart, but also exposes a small view of God and a man-centered gospel. 

My Pastors says, "God's bank account doesn't run out when His people are on mission for Him." God is not limited. It's not like doesn't have enough, it's all His to allot where He pleases - for us to steward. 

So for me, when I read about David making arrangements for Solomon to build the temple it confuses me. Does God want this temple to be built? Why would He want it so extravagant when that money could be given away? These are questions I had to take before the Lord to get His perspective. And He reminds me that it is all about Him and His glory. In Haggai, God was upset when the temple was left in ruins. God did care, even to the smallest carving what the temple looked like. But that doesn't mean He doesn't also want money to go to the rescue and redemption of the oppressed. His heart for the orphan, widow and oppressed is spilled out all over the pages of Scripture. It's not either or, it's all, all for His glory.

I see another example of God being delighted in through luxury by displaying His character. It's in how He builds the New Jerusalem. Rev. 21:19-21 “The foundations of the city walls were decorated with every kind of precious stone. The first foundation was jasper, the second sapphire, the third agate, the fourth emerald, the fifth onyx, the sixth ruby, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth turquoise, the eleventh jacinth, and the twelfth amethyst. The twelve gates were twelve pearls, each gate made of a single pearl. The great street of the city was of gold, as pure as transparent glass.” 

Basically, luxury or poverty is not about us. They both are for the glory of God. Like the blind man healed for the glory of God and Esther's beauty to win the kings heart and used to rescue her people from death, it's all for the glory of God. Poverty to show God as the One who steps in and saves the day, luxury to show God as magnificent and beautiful.

So the challenge for us is to line up our thinking and motives with the Lord's, letting all we do be done for the glory of God.

Lord, “Bless us and be gracious to us SO THAT your ways may be known on the earth… SO THAT all the ends of the earth will fear You.” (Psalm 67) And may our hearts be more passionate about Your glory than the glory of men. Let all we do be to display Your heart and character.

I can't believe Not About Me November is almost over. When I first began to think about this I was pretty scared. My life is so busy with ministry and kids, was I really going to be able to blog every weekday (even if it was only for 17 days)? 

But this has turned out to be such a fun blessing! It's like a brain-training camp. Filtering every thought through the filter of  "it's not about me".  Sweet friends, thank you for taking this journey with me. I have loved reading all the posts of the ladies who have linked up. So inspiring and insightful! Last 4 days here we come.

The Mission is not about me {Day 12}
God Showing His Greatness is not about me {Day 11}
Rawness is not about me {Day 10}
Family is not about me {Day 9}
Mess is not about me {Day 8}
My Identity is not about me {Day 7}
Technology is not about me {Day 6}
My Curiousity is not about me {Day 5}
My emotions are not about me {Day 4}
My reputation is not about me {Day 3}
What I know is not about me {Day 2} 
My ministry is not about me{Day 1} 

If you're participating in the Not About Me Challenge,  link up below. And then tweet it with the hashtag #NotAboutMeNovember 

And PS, if you've enjoyed this series, will you show some love by following, liking or sharing on your social media preference? 


I'm linking up with Some Girls Website, the Diaper Diaries, and Canvas Child.