Hebrews 13:5-6
“Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.’ So we say with confidence, ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?’”
Back in November 1954, I had just completed Technical School as a jet mechanic. My first assignment was in Rapid City, South Dakota. Joyce and I were very happy and looking forward to a new and exciting adventure.
We rented a few months before purchasing our first “home.” It was a 24-foot Terry travel trailer. That meant that we were living in less than 200 square feet.
My precious wife had that little home on wheels looking like a castle.
I can recall the pastor of our church back in Idaho stopping by for a visit along with his wife and three daughters. It was a tight fit, but it became a meal we still remember after all of these years.
Today we watch HGTV and hear young families who live in 2000-square-foot homes wanting something bigger—“There is just not enough room, and we have a new baby on the way.” (Give me a break!)
I think most of us in the “Over-the-hill” gang can remember living in a house with only one bathroom (or out-house) and sharing a bedroom with brothers or sisters. The thought of moving into larger digs was never considered. We were just thankful that we had a place to call home.
As I write these words, I am aware that these human hearts of ours are hard to satisfy. Why were Joyce and I so satisfied and content back there in that little home on wheels? We had the Lord in our hearts and we had each other!
Over the years since the 1950’s, we have lived in many fine homes. We have seen our children mature and have children of their own. Our love for the Lord Jesus Christ has also grown.
The thought suddenly strikes me—the more our love for the Lord grows—the less importance we place on the “stuff” of life. All of this is going to pass away and we will find that only what we do for Christ will last.
I want to share this one last thing with you. I was digging through some of my records to see what dates we were in South Dakota. I happened to come across a letter that I received back in 1974. It was written by a young man that worked at a mission hospital in St. Anthony, Newfoundland, when I was stationed there.
That last few words of this letter from Roy Becker, hit me like a ton of bricks. I do not remember even reading them before: “A few months ago, I wrote out in detail, all of the events that led to ‘How God found me.’ I listed your friendship as a contributing factor toward motivating me to live a Christ-like life. So you hold a favored and unforgettable spot in my heart.”
That means more to me than the most elegant mansion on the face of the earth. I do not desire more room for a house…I desire a greater love for Jesus that will be seen by others and motivate them to live a Christ-like life.
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
— Pastor Cecil