You Spent Money On What??

Instead of spending our money on things of this world with no eternal significance, instead of getting caught up in the advertising of the day with holidays approaching, may I suggest something different?
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I was sitting with my daughter this week when she picked up a magazine that came to her in the mail. The magazine advertised a popular doll and a variety of doll accessories. As we looked through the magazine we started closely examining some of these doll accessories. Here are a few accessories that stood out to us from the magazine:

•A science lab set ($36)
•A school backpack set for dolls ($28)
•Braces and retainer called the healthy smile set ($14)
•Allergy free lunch for your doll ($28)

Now there are pages of accessories like this. But as my daughter and I started talking about this we couldn't help but wonder about spending priorities. Why would anyone spend this kind of money on doll accessories when we have children throughout the world that can't afford to eat? How can some people justify paying $28 for an allergy free doll lunch that will never be consumed when real children are starving? There are many reputable organizations that can feed a child for an entire month for $10.

As we think about the elements of Godly character, I can't help but believe that service to others must be on the list. In my former days as a police officer, I think about kids who had little food, those who were abused, those who only dreamed about clean clothes and a clean room, and those who desperately needed a home. I can't help but think about the verse in Matthew 11 that says this, And if you give even a cup of cold water to one of the least of my followers, you will surely be rewarded. Certainly many children in our society need a cup of cold water and much more.

So instead of spending our money on things of this world with no eternal significance, instead of getting caught up in the advertising of the day with holidays approaching, may I suggest something different? Serve those who really need your help. Offer your own cup of water and more to one of the least of these. Step up and make a difference in the life of a child or in the life of someone that only you can reach. Those that need help are all around us. All we need to do it look.

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