what it's like to be poor

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Nov 26, 2012
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#61
what do you think?
would you choose to be poor?!
When you forfeit your choice, then you will remain poor. Each and every day we are faced with a choice to accept ourselves as we are or strive to change. The fat person, the weak person, the foolish person, the crippled person, the sinner and yes the poor person all choose that. Pain brings change and change brings pain. It is when the pain of life is greater than the pain of change, that a choice to exceed our circumstances prevails. The problem is our ability to adapt. Many of us just get comfortable being less than our potential, settling in our inadequacy, becoming whiners and haters of those who don’t.
 
Feb 28, 2016
11,311
2,974
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#62
When you forfeit your choice, then you will remain poor. Each and every day we are faced with a choice to accept ourselves as we are or strive to change. The fat person, the weak person, the foolish person, the crippled person, the sinner and yes the poor person all choose that. Pain brings change and change brings pain. It is when the pain of life is greater than the pain of change, that a choice to exceed our circumstances prevails. The problem is our ability to adapt. Many of us just get comfortable being less than our potential, settling in our inadequacy, becoming whiners and haters of those who don’t.
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PHI. 4:11.
Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.
12.
I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both
to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.
13.
I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.
1PETER 4:9.
Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to Him
in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.
16.
Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.
I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.
 
Nov 26, 2012
3,095
1,050
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#63
=======================================================================
PHI. 4:11.
Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.
12.
I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both
to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.
13.
I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.
1PETER 4:9.
Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to Him
in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.
16.
Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.
I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.
I’m not sure this is applied perfectly. I think there is a difference between not having enough because you’re too lazy to do work harder and not having enough because you are fulfilling a mission for God. Yes to become wealthy is not a Godly pursuit. Also if God calls you from your successful medical practice to serve the less fortunate in His name, is better than wealth. Paul was hungry because he wasn’t “earning a living”. He was saying God is enough. If you lose your fortune because you follow Christ then it’s a better trade. He’s not saying, “If your parents are on government assistance then kick back and watch some television. It’s honourable to be poor as long as you’re a Christian.”
 

Lanolin

Well-known member
Dec 15, 2018
23,460
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#64
im just explaining what its really like to be poor.
You have to get creative because, the reality is, you dont know what its like to be rich, it is something you could aspire to but for most people its not something youve ever known because most people are born impoverished than rich...its very few people who are born rich.

With Paul, he knew what it was like to be rich and poor because he used to be a Pharisee, who were actually rich people. But he gave up all his riches for Christ. This was hard for him to do because he was used to living the rich Pharisee lifestyle who could afford to tithe even his cumin and mint.

when you are poor you dont have anything to tithe...!
 

Lanolin

Well-known member
Dec 15, 2018
23,460
7,188
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#65
In general people tend to judge poor people unfairly, but rich people have their own set of problems which is another thread lol
 

Lanolin

Well-known member
Dec 15, 2018
23,460
7,188
113
#66
poor people actually do work hard but they dont get paid much wage to cover the hard work they do. Manual Labour is cheap..but it is HARD work and can be exhausting.
 

Magenta

Senior Member
Jul 3, 2015
60,175
29,478
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#67
when you are poor you dont have anything to tithe...!
Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents.


Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.” Mark 12:41-44

 

Blade

Well-known member
Nov 19, 2019
1,779
624
113
#68
it would seem were look at this "what its like to be poor" through one lens. We have found some "poor" like where they are at. Then many that don't like it. And to be set free so to speak. To go back to.. working, bills, responsibility they don't want what. Gladly take the money and "Being poor means you must depend on God more, " No.. I don't find this to be true. This depends on who you talk to. My wife is from LA and we lived there for many years. Seen way to many when offered something.. would not take it.. would not even talk to you. Just showing another side.

Theres so much not being talked about here. And there is always a way out. You know when Christ said "seek and you shall find" "knock and the door shall be open". Anyone can use that. There is always someone out there that will help. Like I said.. many want help as in clothes, food. But a way out? No. Many others do want help can't see a way out. And if we add GOD to this, to help the poor you don't just give them things, money clothes and leave and feel good. You did nothing. See to help the poor.. you keep helping till that one gets back on their feet. "what else do you need?" you keep giving.

And who does GOD hear? He is holy. If your poor or rich. If your a sinner He does no hear you. If you make the choice to follow believe, repent.. YES He hears you. He hears the righteous He does not hear the unrighteous/sinner. What our GOD has done for ONE He does for all. There is no poor out there the He can not save.. He always makes a way out. WE just won't take it. I am talking about those in cities and the like. There are so many in this world that there would seem no way out. Yet all things are possible to them that believe

For God.. that rich man that knows Him not.. or the believer that values money or THINGS of this world. They are poor. For you say, 'I am rich, and I have grown rich, and I have need of nothing.' And you do not realize that you are wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked."

This is why the poor "But the poor will inherit the earth, will delight in great prosperity. ". God has not forgotten them :) They have no clue what is about to happen for them.
 

p_rehbein

Senior Member
Sep 4, 2013
30,703
6,889
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#69
Nov 26, 2012
3,095
1,050
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#70
In general people tend to judge poor people unfairly, but rich people have their own set of problems which is another thread lol
So, have you ever been poor? I’m guessing, no. Your observations seem based on perhaps how you view poverty, not experience it.
 

Lanolin

Well-known member
Dec 15, 2018
23,460
7,188
113
#71
So, have you ever been poor? I’m guessing, no. Your observations seem based on perhaps how you view poverty, not experience it.
Im explaining what its like to be poor. Yes I have experienced some of what its like cos I have lived it. There are always people worse off than me and im also explaining what its like for them. Do you have a problem with that?
 

Lanolin

Well-known member
Dec 15, 2018
23,460
7,188
113
#72
yep it is hell you dont know what its like when there is no hope and people forget easily...thats why a lot of people commit suicide. when stocks exchanged crashed, people were jumping out of buildings because they felt they had no security as they had placed it in earthly riches.

thing is it STILL is an issue for people and there are lots of poor people who do not know the Lord. More so than rich people. People covet things because of advertising constantly bombarding them. when you are poor you shut yourself off from it but you still need to feed your family. if its stolen goods you dont always question it.
 

Lanolin

Well-known member
Dec 15, 2018
23,460
7,188
113
#73
it would seem were look at this "what its like to be poor" through one lens. We have found some "poor" like where they are at. Then many that don't like it. And to be set free so to speak. To go back to.. working, bills, responsibility they don't want what. Gladly take the money and "Being poor means you must depend on God more, " No.. I don't find this to be true. This depends on who you talk to. My wife is from LA and we lived there for many years. Seen way to many when offered something.. would not take it.. would not even talk to you. Just showing another side.

Theres so much not being talked about here. And there is always a way out. You know when Christ said "seek and you shall find" "knock and the door shall be open". Anyone can use that. There is always someone out there that will help. Like I said.. many want help as in clothes, food. But a way out? No. Many others do want help can't see a way out. And if we add GOD to this, to help the poor you don't just give them things, money clothes and leave and feel good. You did nothing. See to help the poor.. you keep helping till that one gets back on their feet. "what else do you need?" you keep giving.

And who does GOD hear? He is holy. If your poor or rich. If your a sinner He does no hear you. If you make the choice to follow believe, repent.. YES He hears you. He hears the righteous He does not hear the unrighteous/sinner. What our GOD has done for ONE He does for all. There is no poor out there the He can not save.. He always makes a way out. WE just won't take it. I am talking about those in cities and the like. There are so many in this world that there would seem no way out. Yet all things are possible to them that believe

For God.. that rich man that knows Him not.. or the believer that values money or THINGS of this world. They are poor. For you say, 'I am rich, and I have grown rich, and I have need of nothing.' And you do not realize that you are wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked."

This is why the poor "But the poor will inherit the earth, will delight in great prosperity. ". God has not forgotten them :) They have no clue what is about to happen for them.
well LA is a wealthy area where its extremely obvious who is rich and who is poor so a lot of people living there want to make it big they arent necessarily wanting to know God. mammon is God there...
 

Lanolin

Well-known member
Dec 15, 2018
23,460
7,188
113
#74
when people dont accept help they are being proud because pride is all they have, we had homeless who didnt want to have a home cos it was better living on the streets...they could hustle and not be bothered. having a home means a lot of responisbilty...Jesus said you need to count the cost before you build. sOme just cant afford it!

Jesus was homeless, he stayed with friends or slept in the garden the entire time he was doing ministry in Jerusalem. He was a refugee in Egypt.
 

Lanolin

Well-known member
Dec 15, 2018
23,460
7,188
113
#75
people are generally priced out of owning a home, you could be having a job and it still wont be enough to pay a mortage for even a basic unit...for a decent family home, forget it, at least in my town. you need to move somewhere MUCh cheaper, even rent is high. Some landlords are generous, but many arent, depends on who you know.
 

Lanolin

Well-known member
Dec 15, 2018
23,460
7,188
113
#76
Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents.

Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.” Mark 12:41-44
yep she wasnt tithing she was putting in everything she had! tithing is only ten percent of your wealth!! when you are that wealthy, ten percent is actually nothing to you and you dont miss it. yOu have enough left over to live on.

when you are poor EVERY cent is what you have to live on, there is no such thing as saving as it all needs to be spent on the cost of living.
 

Lanolin

Well-known member
Dec 15, 2018
23,460
7,188
113
#77
When you forfeit your choice, then you will remain poor. Each and every day we are faced with a choice to accept ourselves as we are or strive to change. The fat person, the weak person, the foolish person, the crippled person, the sinner and yes the poor person all choose that. Pain brings change and change brings pain. It is when the pain of life is greater than the pain of change, that a choice to exceed our circumstances prevails. The problem is our ability to adapt. Many of us just get comfortable being less than our potential, settling in our inadequacy, becoming whiners and haters of those who don’t.
no you dont understand the poor person doesnt have a choice thats the thing. You have NO understanding of what its like to be poor and thing just cos someone tells it like it is its whining. Um no..
 

Lanolin

Well-known member
Dec 15, 2018
23,460
7,188
113
#78
a refugee doesnt have much choice in the matter, especially a child, where they end up. or you might have a really limited choice...this country...or death.
 

Lanolin

Well-known member
Dec 15, 2018
23,460
7,188
113
#79
when you are poor richer people dont like to hear you talk about what its like because they are better off than you so you keep quiet or humour them. its ok to be treated like dirt! its the human condition lol.

well we do come from dust. so...I suppose not being refined is somehow offensive.
 

Magenta

Senior Member
Jul 3, 2015
60,175
29,478
113
#80
yep she wasnt tithing she was putting in everything she had! tithing is only ten percent of your wealth!! when you are that wealthy, ten percent is actually nothing to you and you dont miss it. yOu have enough left over to live on.

when you are poor EVERY cent is what you have to live on, there is no such thing as saving as it all needs to be spent on the cost of living.
Most people I know live pay cheque to pay cheque... and these days don't even get a pay cheque for work due to COVID closures and layoffs.