By Natalie McLaury | June 10, 2021
We’ve all felt it. That discomfort when we’re attending an event and the “ask” for a donation comes up. In response, most of us do that awkward “turn of your head” move to avoid eye contact, the same as when we’re at a stoplight where someone is begging for help. It’s the same kind of feeling of those sweaty armpits when a friend starts a conversation with, “Hey, can you do me a favor?”
Our initial instinct is almost always to say no, to turn away, to make an excuse. It’s easy, really. We are busy people, with limited resources. We are bombarded with messages demanding we live our best life now, reach for the stars and maximize our own potential. These things beckon us to focus on our own future, our own success and ultimately what we have and what we can get.
The Bible verse 1 Timothy 6:7 says, “For we brought nothing into this world and we can take nothing out of it.” I have this verse underlined in my Bible. In the margin beside it I’ve written the words “literally NOTHING.” These words from Paul have convicted me again and again. I’ve brought four kids into this world. I know that they come with nothing but the hair on their head, so that first half of the verse comes as no surprise to me. But the other part challenges me, “…and we can take nothing out of it.” I won’t take our beautiful house, my bank account, not even my resume. I’ll leave this earth as unattached as I came into it.
Knowing this changes the way I view those asks for money. It changes the way I plan for my future. It loosens the hold I feel over my money, my belongings, my time. It wasn’t mine to begin with, and it isn’t going with me. There is great freedom in acknowledging this. It loosens my grip. I don’t desire to hoard because the reminder from 1 Timothy 6:7 helps me focus on the reality of my long-term potential – my greatest treasure, which is life in heaven that does not require an abundance of anything but the grace of our Lord Jesus.
Natalie McLaury is a super mom who is raising four children age seven and under with her husband, Ryan, in Saint Louis. She is a runner, voracious reader, epic poster (@thesweetslife on Instagram) and fabulous cook. She is generous with her treasure as she supports Dynamis and other ministries. She is generous with her time and talent as she serves her church with various roles on council and staff.
