The highest commodity in Africa right now: drink packets. You know, the little packets of flavoring that you can add to your water bottles. They are being traded, exchanged, and bartered for. The students, after being in Africa for 8 weeks, struggle with the idea of another bottle of plain water. It amazes me at what things become the most desired. The most tempting of things when you are immersed in another culture without the amenities we are accustomed to can be surprising. They include bite size cliff bars, a half of a cookie, a cool breeze, a few minutes of alone time, quietness, and these drink packets.
My devotions this morning came from1 Timothy 6. Paul is warning against the love of money. My first thoughts on this for the African culture is “what money?”. As I continued to read through the chapter I came to verse six: But godliness with contentment is great gain. Contentment. A very big word. I am not sure that it would be used to describe my character at times.
So, I am checking myself today. Are there any “things” that I desire that have come between me and God? Is there a deep desire in me to get to the next level, earn the next degree, or purchase the next thing that is crowding out God? As I watch the students work out their contentment here, often being faced with challenges like drink packets, I am continuing to reflect on my own life.
I charge you to keep this command without spot or blame until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, which God will bring about in his own time- God, the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings, and Lord of lords, who alone is immortal and who lives in unapproachable light, whom no one has seen or can see. To him be honor and might forever. Amen ! Tim 6:14-16
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