Much has been given!

"Mr. Teague, are you rich?" The question came unexpectedly from one of my students today between classes. Brayden was just coming into my classroom for his class period. I said hello as he walked past me and he replied in kind. Then he turned around and came back to ask that question which caught me completely off guard. I immediately tried to brush it off and said sarcastically, "Yeah, sure. I'm rich." I asked him why he would ask me a question like that. He replied that he had noticed that I always wear Abercrombie shirts and stuff. Well, I have never owned an Abercrombie item of clothing of any kind. But, I knew what he was saying. He had noticed that I wear nice shirts (mostly golf shirts that I bought at half price from Steinmart) which meant to him that I must have a lot of money. Quickly, I thought to tell him that "yes, I am rich - but all of us in the United States are rich". I went on to tell him about people I have seen in Mexico and in other areas of the United States who have so little and that in comparison, we are all very well off. He nodded his head in agreement and went on to his seat. Only after he walked away did I think that I really don't know how he lives. He is one of my students who always looks nice and I assume that his family has enough of what they need. In truth, he may be one of those kids (like many of my students) who never quite has enough of the things that represent wealth to him.

Later, another of my students asked me what kind of car I drive. I hesitated before answering because I am aware that the car I drive appears to be a luxury car to my students. And, truthfully, it is a very nice vehicle - no doubt more than I "need". Questions about wealth continue on a fairly consistent basis and I am made to consider each time how truly wealthy I am.

Recently a group from our church visited an area of India which is extremely poor. Stories have been told and video played showing just how dire the circumstances are in that country. Christians are drilling wells to bring fresh water to these people and lives are being changed for the better. The statement was made that by world standards, if a man can turn on a faucet and get fresh, drinkable water - he is a wealthy person. Wow! Yes, I really am rich, Brayden!

God, help me learn to share my wealth in appropriate places and appropriate ways.