Do you have a poverty mindset?
Proverbs 10:15--Can poverty be a state of mind? Being poor is defined as having less money than we need to live what is considered comfortable, normal lives. But, isn't that relative, especially in this country?
A family of three are considered at the poverty level with an income of $25,520. In other countries that would go a long way to care for even larger families.
I've met folks from other countries who didn't know they were poor until they were adults. Their parents gave them a simple, happy childhood.
Can one be poor without having the "mindset" of poverty?
What do I mean by this? My parents grew up in the Depression. Their parents worked hard to care for them. Things were rough, but as children they didn't know it.
By our standards, they would be sorely lacking in what we consider essentials. But, they grew a lot of what they ate, made their clothes, mended their clothes--including socks and underwear--and walked everywhere.
There was little to no waste. A paper grocery sack was a treasure. Put some flour, salt and pepper, chicken, then shake. Out popped coated and seasoned chicken. As that chicken fried, the bag was cut up and used to soak up the excess grease.
A cardboard box could be cut up to replace a sole of a shoe, or shim up a wobbly table.
A Crisco can could store nails recycled from an old barn.
My grandmother was a genius at reusing just about anything. Long after the need to be frugal was necessary, she still was careful to utilize as much as possible. There was very little waste. And, I loved her ingenuity.
So, can someone with a comfortable income have a poverty mindset? I think so.
Our landfills seem to speak to this. What causes us to buy, buy, buy? To not fully utilize what we buy? To throw away spoiled food because we chose to eat out instead?
Do we feel that strong need for more? Do we feel a sense of lack because we don't have the latest technology or fashion?
Sigh. I'm feeling very convicted right now. Am I the only one?
Maybe can we look back to our parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents who stewarded what they could afford and were grateful for it.
Maybe before we pull out the take-out menu, we open the fridge and pantry and make a meal our ancestors would be proud of.
Maybe we could begin simply by living within a budget with enough to give to others.
Maybe think about how abundant our lives are knowing the Creator of the Universe and that He loves us. That's something to be grateful for.
May we not have a poverty mindset, my friends.
Proverbs 10:15--The wealth of a rich man is a strong city. Poverty is the ruin of the poor. Tree of Life Bible Society Tree of Life Version - TLV #tlvbible#tlvproverbs
[WATCH Tree of Life Bible Society's CEO, Daniah Greenberg and me, Terri Gillespie dig a little deeper with the book of Proverbs. Check us out at Tree of Life Bible Society, MONDAY through FRIDAY, LIVE at 8:30am EST. Watch previous episodes there as well. Stay wise, my friends!]
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