Know where your treasure is

In the wake of our economic system closely resembling a yo-yo in the hands of a toddler (sure it’ll go up and down, but it’s not going back as high as it used to be), there’s some fantastic thoughts from Eugene Cho over at beauty and depravity. The story below is great – but I’d recommend checking out the whole post.

That… reminded me of a meeting my wife and I had a meeting with a friend in Korea this past summer. She’s a “foreigner” living in Korea as a missionary and simply, a follower of Christ. She’s learned the Korean language and asides from being “white,” she’s pretty much “Korean.” She’s adopted the customs and cultures and grown a love for the people of Korea and beyond.

She and her husband have also adopted a lifestyle of simplicity. This is different from a life of poverty. They’ve simply chosen to live as simply as possible…free from the stuff we often find ourselves loving, lusting, and labeling.

During our conversation, she shared her enthusiasm for our vision to fight global poverty and her commitment to keep us in prayer. That in itself was enough: deeply edifying and encouraging. She proceeded to share that she didn’t really have any money to donate at this time. We explained that was not what we were asking for…her emotional and spiritual support meant a great deal.

What happened next…we will never forget.

She opened her shoulder bag and proceeded to take out 6 or 7 small boxes and explained:

“My husband and I have committed to a life of simplicity and we don’t have money to give. I love and believe in what you guys are doing. These boxes are my jewelry…my heirlooms. I don’t need this. I want to give this to your organization. Please sell it and use it to help the poorest of the poor.”

God convicted me with this question:

“Where is your treasure…Who is your treasure?”

[1] faith and money: where is your treasure? « beauty and depravity