Simple Living
Themes
Christian life
Story
This is a collaboration between myself, Keith and Kristyn. They sent me this melody while I was thinking a lot about Jesus’ statements on money and possessions, and how he used it as a test of what people really gave their heart to.
And if it was relevant in Jesus’ day, it must be even more so now! I can’t help thinking that, although we often seek to be distinctively different from ‘the world’ in many areas of life, when it comes to money and possessions we are hardly distinguishable from everyone else. And yet if we were radical in this area – an area that is the main focus of ambition, success, yes even worship for so many around us – ‘the world’ really would sit up and take notice…
Lyrics
A rich young man came to ask of Christ:
"Good teacher, will you tell me,
What must I do for eternal life?
I've kept your laws completely."
"Sell all you have, give to the poor,
Then heaven's treasure shall be yours."
How hard for those who are rich on earth
To gain the wealth of heaven.
Now Jesus sat by the off'ring gate
As people brought their money:
The rich they filled the collection plate;
The widow gave a penny.
"Now she's outgiven all the rest -
Her gift was all that she possessed."
Not what you give but what you keep
Is what the King is counting.
O teach me Lord to walk this road,
The road of simple living;
To be content with what I own
And generous in giving.
And when I cling to what I have
Please wrest it quickly from my grasp;
I'd rather lose all the things of earth
To gain the things of heaven.
