Give Him a Stone.
Below is a MRR and PLR article in category Society -> subcategory Religion.
Give Him a Stone
Summary:
Growing up in rural Appalachia, I learned the importance of family, faith, and community. My upbringing taught me valuable lessons about love, providing for one another, and the significance of spiritual guidance.
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Article:
Raised in the lush, rugged hills of Appalachia, I often heard it said that the sun wouldn’t touch the ground until noon. My parents were true examples of hard work, toiling from dawn till dusk to provide for our family. They taught us not just about survival, but about love and faith.
When my family moved to a new home to be closer to school, we faced the challenge of fitting in. We weren’t poor, but we lived simply. My dad was up before the sun for work, and breakfast awaited us thanks to my mother’s diligence. Hand-me-downs from my brothers were the norm, but I embraced them. Each new school year meant a new set of clothes, albeit with the understanding that they must be cared for.
As time passed, my siblings moved on: Richard headed west, Ronnie passed away, Willie and Carl served in the military, and my sister married. Suddenly, our home felt empty. Yet, the foundational lessons lingered: love, sustenance, and faith in Jesus Christ.
Taught by Faith
Our parents instilled in us the belief that through Jesus, all our needs would be met. The church became an extended family, echoing the teachings of Luke 11:10-13, which promises that those who ask will receive and those who seek will find. If earthly fathers can provide good gifts, how much more can our heavenly Father offer?
In my youth, I strayed from these teachings, convinced I could navigate life alone. But like the prodigal son, I eventually realized my folly and returned to God, finding forgiveness and a renewed purpose. I began to minister to others, sharing the love and truth I had rediscovered.
A Shift in the Church
However, I noticed a troubling change in the church community. The spirit of giving seemed to falter. It became increasingly difficult to find support for those in need, even within the church?"a stark contrast to Jesus’ teachings. Instead, I saw churches focusing on expanding their physical footprint rather than their spiritual outreach.
This disheartened me, as I realized many prioritized monuments over missions. Building projects flourished while there was a famine for the Word of God?"people were struggling even to obtain a Bible or hear the gospel.
Reflecting on Purpose
Why were so many without the basics of Christianity? Proverbs 21:6 came to mind, warning against riches gained by deceit. It seemed some leaders focused more on material wealth than spiritual richness, asking for donations not for feeding souls but for embellishing buildings.
True fulfillment lies not in erecting physical structures but in uplifting people’s spirits. As Matthew 25:13 urges us to remain watchful, let’s remember that Jesus taught us to give wholeheartedly.
Return to True Values
We need to stop saying, "Give him a stone," and instead offer love, guidance, and fellowship. We must build up rather than build on. Let’s revisit Luke 15:32 and rejoice in the revival of lost souls.
May we give generously and live by the deeper values taught by Jesus: love, faith, and compassion. Let us be a beacon of hope, providing not stones but sustenance for the soul.
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