We followers of Jesus are called to use what we have for His Kingdom. Some are called to keep their house, but to share it for evangelization. Examples of this could be to use the house to host a home-based community or to feed the poor. St. Lydia used her house as the base of the home Church in Philippi (Acts 16:15, 40). Others might be called to simplify their lifestyle by selling their home, downsizing, and donating some or all of the proceeds to the Church or another ministry. St. Barnabas is an example of this (Acts 4:37).
It's vital to discern the particular call of God in our lives. Our possessions belong not to us, but to the Lord (Rm 14:8). We are temporary stewards of His property, servants of the Master of the Kingdom and His people. Jesus calls us to use our goods for His purposes (see Lk 16:9).
Are you a house-holder? That is, are you holding on to your house as a tax-shelter or to build up your equity? Place your house in the hands of the Lord. He may tell you to keep it and use it for His Kingdom. We are called to store up treasure in heaven, not on this earth (Mt 6:20). "Unless the Lord build the house, they labor in vain who build it" (Ps 127:1). Jesus stands knocking at the door of your house (Rv 3:20). He wants your house to be full for Him (Lk 14:23). Make a home that welcomes the Lord and opens up to Him (see Rv 3:20).
| PRAYER: | Jesus, be the Lord of every detail of my life. |
| PROMISE: | "The community of believers were of one heart and one mind." –Acts 4:32 |
| PRAISE: | Jim's mother developed Alzheimer's. He and his wife Kate prayed about how to care for her. They sold their home and moved in with his mother, to supply years of loving, in-home care for her. She died peacefully at home, surrounded by her family. |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College