Thursday, June 2, 2011

Can I Be Lavish?

1 Kings 6:7-8
“He built the throne hall, the Hall of Justice, where he was to judge, and he covered it with cedar from floor to ceiling. And the palace in which he was to live, set farther back, was similar in design. Solomon also made a palace like this hall for Pharaoh's daughter, whom he had married.”

As a pastor’s kid, I grew up used to work around limited to zero budget. On the good side, it strengthened my faith, taught me contentment, made me grateful, and kept my lifestyle simple. Pursuing a support-based calling has never been so much a problem either. My friend-bookkeeper made a comment-joke before that Windsong’s weekly petty cash was even higher than my monthly support.  Of course there were moments I wished I had extra bucks for clothes or our coffee out at least. Other than that, I was kinda accepting of my lot. Until I got married. Tris’ job was stable enough to provide for our basic needs, and some once-in-a-while treats. That means, my support was finally allotted to ministry expense and family contingencies. The regular monthly wasn’t that big actually. But being used to less, I find it big. But did it make me buy my wants? Still not. Tris was making fun of me that I would ask him if I could buy this thing for myself and then I would still not. He bought an iPad for the family, and I don’t even talk about it. I don’t want to be appear luxurious. Admittedly, I had that poverty mentality.  And it’s not God-glorifying.

Chapter 6 and the latter half of chapter 7 talks about the grandeur of the temple: Cedars from Lebanon, the purest of gold, the brightest of bronze, beautiful interiors, all-new furnishings - - excellent and lavish in everything. And it should be. It is God’s house. All that we give and do for Him and His work should never fall short of what is finest. It took 7 years for Solomon to build it, making sure all is done accordingly and perfectly. Now chapter 7 presents us with this title, ‘Solomon builds his palace’. One in the forest of Lebanon, possibly a rest-house, then the Hall of Justice, one more palace where he will live, and another for his wife, Pharaoh’s daughter. It may not be sparkling gold as the temple, but he used the same high end, quality materials for it. It took him longer to build these, 13 years, most likely because he was prioritizing the temple building. But on the 7th year, when the temple was finished, he turned and equally gave his all for his kingly and personal needs. His integrity was commendable for he placed the excess, dedicated resource in the temple treasuries. I’m guessing the Hall of Justice was financed by his office, and so was his palace. Though it could also be family-funded. But it was all recorded. No apologies. No fear of being accused as overspending. It fits him as king, he has the resources, he wants it, he pursued it. His priorities were in place and he balanced it with living a full, abundant life. Nothing wrong with that.

Yes Sheila - - I’m talking to myself here - - there’s nothing wrong in enjoying God’s blessings. It’s okay to buy fashionable clothes, top of the line gadgets, even your craved-for desserts. It is not a sin to plan for high-end vacations, owning a dream house, or getting a spa. As long as the budget allotment is directed by God, as long as it doesn’t interfere with the work God purposed you to do, and as long as you don’t do it to brag - - we don’t have a problem here. It is Solomon himself who said it, ‘People should eat and drink and enjoy the fruits of their labor, for these are gifts from God’.  Last Monday was my test. God lavishly blessed a couple-friend of mine and they deposited to my account a significant amount as support. Setting aside the tithes and ministry allotment, my heart was knocking me with the question: Can I really finally bring Kjaran to her first movie ever? Tris was surprised too! I called him up to meet us in McDonalds, I bought us dinner with happy meal toys for the little ones, and yes, all four of us watched Kung Fu Panda 2. Tris gave me a hug after that treat and teased, ‘You look good when you’re rich’, hahaha!! Why not? Am I not the King’s daughter? :>
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Can I Be Lavish?

1 Kings 6:7-8
“He built the throne hall, the Hall of Justice, where he was to judge, and he covered it with cedar from floor to ceiling. And the palace in which he was to live, set farther back, was similar in design. Solomon also made a palace like this hall for Pharaoh's daughter, whom he had married.”

As a pastor’s kid, I grew up used to work around limited to zero budget. On the good side, it strengthened my faith, taught me contentment, made me grateful, and kept my lifestyle simple. Pursuing a support-based calling has never been so much a problem either. My friend-bookkeeper made a comment-joke before that Windsong’s weekly petty cash was even higher than my monthly support.  Of course there were moments I wished I had extra bucks for clothes or our coffee out at least. Other than that, I was kinda accepting of my lot. Until I got married. Tris’ job was stable enough to provide for our basic needs, and some once-in-a-while treats. That means, my support was finally allotted to ministry expense and family contingencies. The regular monthly wasn’t that big actually. But being used to less, I find it big. But did it make me buy my wants? Still not. Tris was making fun of me that I would ask him if I could buy this thing for myself and then I would still not. He bought an iPad for the family, and I don’t even talk about it. I don’t want to be appear luxurious. Admittedly, I had that poverty mentality.  And it’s not God-glorifying.

Chapter 6 and the latter half of chapter 7 talks about the grandeur of the temple: Cedars from Lebanon, the purest of gold, the brightest of bronze, beautiful interiors, all-new furnishings - - excellent and lavish in everything. And it should be. It is God’s house. All that we give and do for Him and His work should never fall short of what is finest. It took 7 years for Solomon to build it, making sure all is done accordingly and perfectly. Now chapter 7 presents us with this title, ‘Solomon builds his palace’. One in the forest of Lebanon, possibly a rest-house, then the Hall of Justice, one more palace where he will live, and another for his wife, Pharaoh’s daughter. It may not be sparkling gold as the temple, but he used the same high end, quality materials for it. It took him longer to build these, 13 years, most likely because he was prioritizing the temple building. But on the 7th year, when the temple was finished, he turned and equally gave his all for his kingly and personal needs. His integrity was commendable for he placed the excess, dedicated resource in the temple treasuries. I’m guessing the Hall of Justice was financed by his office, and so was his palace. Though it could also be family-funded. But it was all recorded. No apologies. No fear of being accused as overspending. It fits him as king, he has the resources, he wants it, he pursued it. His priorities were in place and he balanced it with living a full, abundant life. Nothing wrong with that.

Yes Sheila - - I’m talking to myself here - - there’s nothing wrong in enjoying God’s blessings. It’s okay to buy fashionable clothes, top of the line gadgets, even your craved-for desserts. It is not a sin to plan for high-end vacations, owning a dream house, or getting a spa. As long as the budget allotment is directed by God, as long as it doesn’t interfere with the work God purposed you to do, and as long as you don’t do it to brag - - we don’t have a problem here. It is Solomon himself who said it, ‘People should eat and drink and enjoy the fruits of their labor, for these are gifts from God’.  Last Monday was my test. God lavishly blessed a couple-friend of mine and they deposited to my account a significant amount as support. Setting aside the tithes and ministry allotment, my heart was knocking me with the question: Can I really finally bring Kjaran to her first movie ever? Tris was surprised too! I called him up to meet us in McDonalds, I bought us dinner with happy meal toys for the little ones, and yes, all four of us watched Kung Fu Panda 2. Tris gave me a hug after that treat and teased, ‘You look good when you’re rich’, hahaha!! Why not? Am I not the King’s daughter? :>