I love Sonic drinks. I love the pellet-shaped ice and the unhealthy carbonated beverage that fills my Route 44 to the top. It’s a luxury that I provide to the child in me who was once deprived of sodas. A large coke here, a new pair of shoes there and suddenly I find myself out of spending cash. My disposition sours quickly when I realize I don’t have the ability to live within my desired level of comfort.

It’s easy to feel entitled to a certain level of ease in life. Our entire society is entitlement driven. “I deserve this- I’ve worked hard for it!” It’s not easy, but we need to be careful not to fall into that mentality, and to remember what God has asked of us.

“He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8

30,000 children die from extreme poverty each day. These children die whether or not they work hard. These children are not entitled to what they get. While nearly half of humanity struggles to survive on less than $2 a day, I grumble as I pay the $5 for my latte. My life may not seem to have much in common with a boy in Haiti or a girl in Rwanda, but we all live this one life on earth together. How I live my life does have a direct effect on the world. 1 John 3:18 encourages “My children, our love should not be only words or talk. Our love must be true love. And we should show that love by what we do.”

Extreme poverty doesn’t just happen in third world countries, but also in our own backyard.  As we care for those affected by poverty, we live out Jesus’ words “whatever you do unto the least of these, you do unto me.” (Matthew 25:40)

Does that mean I give up Sonic? Maybe, but more than that, it means you and I must make a conscious effort not to allow materialism or individualism to hinder a call to compassion. The journey of helping those in need is the journey of following Jesus. We’ve each been created with unique passions to serve him, to be the change we want to see in the world.

Make use of your unique giftings and let’s say yes to being extraordinary in the ordinary.

Following,
Ginger