Is it Easier to be Spiritual When Poor?

Matthew 3:1-6

John the Baptist came preaching in the desert of Judea, "Repent for the kingdom of heaven is near." This marked him as the one prophesied by Isaiah, a voice calling in the desert, "Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him." (Isaiah 40:3)

John dressed in camel hair with a leather belt, and ate locusts and wild honey; people were curious and came from Jerusalem and all Judea to hear him. Many confessed their sins and were baptized.

We need to be doing the things God has long before planned for us to do, and for that matter, John's message is one we may also proclaim and obey; to prepare a way for the Lord in our own lives.

I wonder if John was so strong spiritually because he had withdrawn from the world's pleasures and personal requirements, and learned to be content with the very basics in clothing and food? At least, I found when I gave up a regular income, and practiced being content with what was given me, I had more time for and interest in spiritual things. I prayed more. Now when I'm more involved with the world again, that depth of spiritual communion with the Lord seems to slip away.

Obviously, when we are really focused on knowing and doing God's will, the "things" of this world, such as acceptable fashions, and current food fads and customs all mean very little.

I confess, I'm feeling torn these days. I miss the hours I spent in devotions and sorting out my thoughts and plans in His presence. I realize now that I was far more spiritual those days. On the other hand, I do enjoy the interaction with people and the busyness with details in my work. It's exciting to be making progress towards those long-held goals. But I'm beginning to wonder if one has to choose one or the other. Is it impossible to have both?

P.S. Oh, how sweet to have a friend who'd drop everything and come when you need her. Ruthe, the heroine of this novel, dashes away from her own grad when her friend Muriel calls. Don't you wish you had a loyal, caring friend like that? Buy and READ Ruthe's Secret Roses!