Keeping up with the Jones: A Lesson in Faithfulness

Last night we had the unexpected treat of visiting a large, beautiful estate belonging to a family who attends our church in Orange. 6000 square feet of Better Homes and Gardens style rooms greeted us in a jaw-dropping display.

The majority of myself cheered inwardly, "How wonderful that this beautiful home belongs to a Child of God instead of a corporate non-believer or actor!" However, because I'm still slightly human, I felt a twinge of...

Of what? Surely not jealousy. We all know that Children of God are NEVER jealous.

But still I had a silent question, filled with mixed emotions, aimed in the direction of God that roughly translated to "Why Can't I have a house like this!!?"

For the rest of the evening and into the next morning, I waited for God to squelch my uneasiness and restore my peace. My heart said, "Lord, I AM happy with what you have given me, but why can't WE live in Orange county, and why can't I have a studio, and while we're having this discussion, why can't I cook!??"

Then the Lord answered back with the word FAITHFULNESS.

I began to ponder the concept of faithfulness and I found a scripture in Matthew 25:21 "His Lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy Lord".

Could it be that I am not as faithful as I should be over the things that the Lord has already given me?

The Bible goes on to say, "O love the LORD, all ye his saints: for the LORD preserveth the faithful, and plentifully rewardeth the proud doer. Psalm 31:23.

Proud doer? What is that? Could it be that my service to the Lord is not done proudly? Am I ashamed of the very One I am seeking rewards from? Have I been as faithful a servant to God as I am capable of being? Serving and being appreciative of the things that God has given me instead of asking why I don't have more? What a concept!

With this in mind, I head out to the garage to pull a frozen lasagna out of the freezer. I pass my makeshift photo studio and my eyes land on the crusty, cake covered background from a photo session weeks ago that I never washed off. "Umm, Lord, is that what you mean about being faithful over small things before you will let me be responsible for large things? Maybe I can start with taking care of my backdrops before you turn me loose in a real studio, huh?"

I can almost see Jesus raise an eyebrow.

I look down at the frozen lasagna in my hand. "And uh, Lord..about my cooking..."

Jesus replied, "Be faithful to not burn the frozen lasagna and maybe we'll talk."

Fair enough.

I return to my kitchen, certain that if only I had a Better Homes and Gardens kitchen, my cooking would improve greatly. "Lord, I am beginning to understand about faithfulness but I guar-an-tee-you that I can handle the financial responsibilities of a 6000 sq. foot home. Perhaps we have a trial period, Lord, and let me show you just how faithful I can be?"

Jesus replied with one question. "Can you balance your existing checkbook?".

Oh man. Does my Heavenly Father know me or what!? OK Lord. More Dave Ramsey.

I think I finally have an insight as to why God gives us all different portions and responsibilities. In His infinite wisdom, He know exactly what each of us can handle and He loves us so much that He will not risk us loosing our souls under the weight of a situation we can not handle. When we put our lives in God's hands and we ask him to guide us, we can be sure that He will never lead us wrong. When God says NO, there is a peace in knowing that He has my best interest at heart.

With my peace restored I flop down on the couch, one last thought for God, "I'm truly thankful Lord, but you know, after being in that beautiful home last night, my house feels so...shabby."

And my Heavenly Father replies, "Child, you spend all your time making it shabby! Shabby Chic is your style!"

I laugh outloud, "Right again, Lord!"

As always!