And
again I say unto you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of
a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the Kingdom of God.”
Matthew 19:24
I'm in Nairobi right now doing some research for Jhpiego on one of my medical device projects. Its really the first time I've been to another country largely alone - i.e. not with a student group or my family. There were three people in my study group from the US - and they're all at least 10 years older than me. They've also all left now for other obligations so that leaves me here...alone. It just hit me after getting here that this is a real "Business Trip". I get a pretty nice per diem and Jhpiego has put me up in an amazingly nice hotel - The Sankara.
^ my room
Since I'm alone, its hard to be motivated to go out and explore all the different dining options in the city - in addition to safety factors. Consequently...I order room service. Its really nice actually - its like ordering takeout but 100x better (and more expensive). Yeah, not really what I was expecting coming to Africa. Before coming, I expected to rely on God a lot. That I would depend on Him as I was out here alone, for our study, for my interactions with my coworkers, and that I would do my QTs every night. It was a good plan.
^ room service
The second I got here - surrounded by all the room service, expensive hotels, and sense of importance from being here to engineer life-saving devices - all that God stuff gets so easily forgotten. Indulgence and pride takes over, helped along by a lack of accountability or fellowship. Its really rather comfortable. Our study goes as planned, and everything else in my life is provided for by people that clean my room, drive me around, and plan my next move.
And so I understand more fully what Jesus means when he says that its easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of God. Before, I had always thought it seemed like Jesus just didn't like rich people. I was like, how hard could it be? When/if I ever have a lot of money, I will easily still follow Jesus. I didn't see the relation between being rich, and entering heaven. But I see now how having more material things can destroy your dependence on God. You can give to poor, love your father and mother, and even spread the gospel to those you know. But deep down, there is no real cry for God.
Wealth is a huge responsibility. If God has been so good to bless you with it, manage it well, and above all, guard your hearts. To my rich consultant friends and future rich doctor friends, be careful.
Matthew 19:24
I'm in Nairobi right now doing some research for Jhpiego on one of my medical device projects. Its really the first time I've been to another country largely alone - i.e. not with a student group or my family. There were three people in my study group from the US - and they're all at least 10 years older than me. They've also all left now for other obligations so that leaves me here...alone. It just hit me after getting here that this is a real "Business Trip". I get a pretty nice per diem and Jhpiego has put me up in an amazingly nice hotel - The Sankara.
^ my room
Since I'm alone, its hard to be motivated to go out and explore all the different dining options in the city - in addition to safety factors. Consequently...I order room service. Its really nice actually - its like ordering takeout but 100x better (and more expensive). Yeah, not really what I was expecting coming to Africa. Before coming, I expected to rely on God a lot. That I would depend on Him as I was out here alone, for our study, for my interactions with my coworkers, and that I would do my QTs every night. It was a good plan.
^ room service
The second I got here - surrounded by all the room service, expensive hotels, and sense of importance from being here to engineer life-saving devices - all that God stuff gets so easily forgotten. Indulgence and pride takes over, helped along by a lack of accountability or fellowship. Its really rather comfortable. Our study goes as planned, and everything else in my life is provided for by people that clean my room, drive me around, and plan my next move.
And so I understand more fully what Jesus means when he says that its easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of God. Before, I had always thought it seemed like Jesus just didn't like rich people. I was like, how hard could it be? When/if I ever have a lot of money, I will easily still follow Jesus. I didn't see the relation between being rich, and entering heaven. But I see now how having more material things can destroy your dependence on God. You can give to poor, love your father and mother, and even spread the gospel to those you know. But deep down, there is no real cry for God.
Wealth is a huge responsibility. If God has been so good to bless you with it, manage it well, and above all, guard your hearts. To my rich consultant friends and future rich doctor friends, be careful.
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