Five Hundred Dollars

Starcraft 2 is a computer game that came out earlier this week.  If you are into computer gaming and real time strategy, this is by far one of the most exciting news for a long time.  People are lining up over night, pre-order to get a hold of this game.

I really like the original.  In highschool, I will play it all the time.  Even after so many years, I still play Starcraft on and off.

Earlier this year, I spent a lot of time checking what kind of computer I need to run Starcraft 2.  I realized I needed a new computer.  Spent a lot of time online to check and compared what's the best price and the best spec.

I budgeted myself 500 dollars for components to upgrade the computer.  This is not a lot of money considering the average budget for a new computer is around 1,000 to 2,000.

After months of research, I compiled a list of components I wanted to buy. Everything is good to go....

There is a little part of me kept thinking about what Jesus said in Matthew 6:33:

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

After hearing stories from International Justice Mission and Hagar International, I am less motivated to spend money on entertainment.  It is a good game and I will have a lot of fun. Even my friends are asking me to buy the game....

This morning, a post from Hagar International caught my eye. The post is entitled, how your gift helps.  The post outlines a certain donation amount helps sustain their program.

$500   Three months' training program to prepare one woman for sustainable employment.

When Bhoupa was 17, she received an offer too good to be true. A promised waitress job turned out to be life in a brothel. She escaped once, only to be returned. In an unusual twist, Bhoupa's siblings sold their small house to buy their sister back. With no way to support herself, however, Bhoupa was still vulnerable. She found her way to Hagar and chose to learn cosmetology, through the Career Pathways Training Program. Now, Bhoupa runs her own salon, has recently married and is expecting her first child.

One computer game can lasts me a lot of entertainment.  I can spend the same money on helping someone for three months to turn their life around.

Looking at some of the brokenness around the world, I can say there is certain sadness and guilt.  Does what Jesus really some fancy words I memorize and can recite it? Or maybe even know the Greek definition, study the heck out of it, know every other reference to it?

Or do I just take the harder road and to live it out.  And I must admit, my friends will surely be disappointed after all the raving I done about how much I want this game and I am not going to get it.  Not sure if they will understand as I don't want to sound like I am some saint.  And I won't be playing with them if they decided to have a LAN Party.

The same amount can help turn a person's live around.  A person that I do not know or ever see in my life.

I think about Lazarus and the poor man as well.  Jesus said this parable to point out the Pharisees how they simply turn the poor around them away.  They didn't even make aware of their existence...No compassion.  How sad.

So following the way of Jesus can be a lonely road at times.

Some day, on this lonely journey, you will face a strong head wind.

And the more you move, the more it feels like you are barely moving forward.

Yet, we should just keep riding on.

Because this road is a road that He laid out for us.

His Spirit is ahead of us, guiding us along.

He already done everything need to be done.  We are merely just witnesses to His Glory.

Some day will be easy.

Some day will be tough.

Some day you will feel all alone.

Some day no one will understand you.  People think you are nuts.

Some day you might not even understand why you do what you do.   You might even think you are nuts.

Yet, there is a faith and hope that I cling on to.  Even when, in a smallest sense, where I can spend the money to get the game and computer that I WANT.  I choose other wise.

...

By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter, choosing rather to endure ill-treatment with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin, considering the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt; for he was looking to the reward.

Hebrews 11:24

This might sound cynical but I want to add that Moses suffered more ill-treatment from HIS own people....ouch!

I haven't donate the 500 dollars to Hagar International.   I have another project in my mind I wish to pursuit.

One of the joy of being single and serving God is that I can ride this Christian living as hard and as crazy as I  can and want.  [Not to say it is bad to get marry....just for now, I am single..what a great opportunity to pursuit His Kingdom at all cost! Probably just gotta find a partner that wanna go crazy as well!! :D]