Friday, March 12, 2010

Tightwads and Martyrs

To have what we want is riches;
but to be able to do without is power.

- George MacDonald

One of the reasons we tightwads love being tightwads is because of the sense of calm it gives us, in the midst of difficult circumstances and uncertain future. Even without the large savings account and low/nil amount of debt that often accompanies tightwad-ery, there is a sense of power in knowing that you can live on very little and be happy.

As Christians we have this power on a deeper level. "And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell." (Matt. 10:28) This is why Martyrs have been able withstand hunger and cold and torture and death... "We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed." (2 Corinth 4:8-9) They can look at their tormentors and say, "What's the worst that could happen? What I treasure, you can't touch."... "I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13I can do everything through him who gives me strength." (Phil 4:10-13)

And to quote Paul once more. "Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me." Phil 3:12 The reason why I think so much about fearless contentment is because I'm a worry-er and I don't wanna be.

3 comments:

Unknown said...

good analogy! made me think of William Wallace in Braveheart (a step down from Paul, I guess, but definitely in the ballpark). there's a hero that was definitely NOT a worry-er! willing to suffer and die, not giving the bad guys power over him.

OK so this is kind of a weird connection and definitely not as deep as what you were talking about, but fun: can you imagine a tightwad-er crying out "FREEDOM!" before charging into a grocery store (with great numbers of her countrywomen following)?

amybeth said...

hahhahahha. YES! that's brilliant. seriously.

It makes me want to film a public service announcement "how to get through these hard economic times... william wallace style:"

'they can take our cushy jobs, they can take our brand name cereal, they can take our salon hair-cuts and our lunchables..."

haha. great image. thanks for that;

Unknown said...

the tree stands not far from the apple.