Category: Devotional Thoughts

. . . which is a little less mighty these days.

A dollar was worth about 52 pesos when I came here in 2002. If I remember correctly, the dollar strengthened to over 54 pesos within that first year or two that I was here.

Times have changed. The dollar has been weak, which hits me directly in the pocket (my support comes in dollars). A 5,000 peso withdrawal now costs me over 110 dollars (Compared to 100 or less a while back). Those extra dollars and costs have been adding up.

I guess I wouldn’t be writing about this if I saw that a relatively stronger peso was helping the Filipino people. Maybe it is helping, but I just don’t see it in my immediate surroundings. Since many of my friends are tied to the American economy, the weaker dollar is actually hurting them, too. I also don’t really see any decrease in prices. The only exception is a lower power bill, which is probably unrelated to the exchange rate.

Though life is a little more expensive, I really can’t complain. My supporters take great care of me, and the weak dollar really hasn’t greatly affected my life. If anything, I’ve been reminded of something Jesus said in one of his most famous sermons:

“Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.”
-Matthew 6:19-21

Maybe today Jesus would warn us not to store treasures where “economies weaken and dollars depreciate.”

Yes, the dollar is weak, but God is still so good! There’s no use in worrying about something I can’t control. After all, it’s only money.

 

The Lord says,“I will guide you along the best pathway for your life.
I will advise you and watch over you.
Do not be like a senseless horse or mule
that needs a bit and bridle to keep it under control.”
–Psalm 32:8-10

“I am the good shepherd; I know my own sheep, and they know me, just as my Father knows me and I know the Father. So I sacrifice my life for the sheep.”
–John 10:14-15

Have you ever thought about the stark contrast between these two animals (sheep and mules)? They are both mentioned in the Bible, and each one symbolizes a certain type of attitude towards God.

“Stubborn as a mule” is a frequently used expression. While mules are useful animals, they have a reputation for being stubborn and strong-willed. Getting one to cooperate may require serious coercion. Unfortunately, there are a lot of people that relate to God this way. They only follow His commandments after they’ve suffered the consequences of disobedience.

Sheep have the opposite nature. They naturally follow the shepherd—they need only hear his voice to follow. They tend to follow only their shepherd, ignoring the voice of others. A sheep may not always follow perfectly (they do get lost or go astray), but their essential nature is to follow.

I’ve played both roles in my life (I think we all have). I’ve been a stubborn mule towards God and experienced the complete absence of peace and joy that comes with such an attitude. When I followed His instructions I found perfect peace—even when I didn’t completely understand why the Lord was asking me to do something. I don’t know about you, but I’d rather spend the rest of my life being one of His sheep. I would rather live a life of submission rather than stubborn self-will.

Are you living like a sheep or a mule? Think about it.