Two
things I asked of You, do not refuse me before I die: Keep deception and lies
far from me, give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with the food that is
my portion. That I not be full and deny You and say,
"Who is the LORD?" Or that I not be in want and steal, and profane
the name of my God. (NASB)
If you were to take
a poll about wealth or poverty most people would probably say they’d rather be
rich than poor. I do know one person who chooses to be poor. Well, actually he
is not poor. He inherited a few acres of land and has a couple of small houses
with no debt. He just chooses to live an almost austere life style. He is not
in want and wouldn’t steal or certainly not deny the Lord. He just doesn’t feel
that he needs to work long hours and live a rich lifestyle for which many other
people strive. He had a near death experience that changed his life, health,
and values such that having seen Heaven, he doesn’t desire worldly goods.
Personally, like the writer of this passage of Proverbs, I wouldn’t want riches
or poverty. I’m content, as we read in 1 Timothy 6:6-10, “But godliness actually is a means of great gain when accompanied by
contentment. For we have brought nothing into the world, so we cannot take
anything out of it either. If we have food and covering, with these we shall be
content. But those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a snare and
many foolish and harmful desires which plunge men into ruin and destruction.
For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for
it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.” Being
content is the key to a peaceful life—where sharing is easy since there is an
abundance.
Feed me with food
that is my portion. Obesity is such a problem in the United States today.
Everyone from Michelle Obama, Bill O’Reilly, and Martha Stewart’s radio program
to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are talking about it. We have super
sized ourselves. That contributes to a lot of super sized health problems, too.
I could stand to lose 10-20 pounds, but I’m not obese. Portion control, and
more exercise, will take care of these excess pounds, with discipline. Feed me
food that is my portion.
Spiritually what is
my portion? My daily bread? When reading the Bible the one way to determine
your “portion” is to have a set reading schedule—and a plan on reading the Bible
through in a year or two. Another way is to read until you feel that God is
speaking to you. Then write down the passage that is meaningful and the promise
or direction that God is giving you. You may have to read several chapters—or
only a few verses before you feel led, taught or directed.
©
2012 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.
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