Jesus or a Future?

Doc · Jan 6, 2005

I know this is odd for me, but for the first time in my household I am debating my family about what to do with my money that I have. Its ironic because I am not bound to money like many. However, I have received large sums of money from my family and christmas and my paper route. Once I pay off what i owe to some people, i planned to just give the rest away to a shelter downtown. Its Cleveland so what better place to give to the poor. My parents are protesting that I should put it away for college in 4 years. They say I can give what I can spare but I thought Jesus said to enter the kingdom of heaven or follow him, you must give all that you have to the poor. So I am looking for an objective help on this and guidance. Anything is appreciated

fromthe heart · Jan 6, 2005

Doc said:
I know this is odd for me, but for the first time in my household I am debating my family about what to do with my money that I have. Its ironic because I am not bound to money like many. However, I have received large sums of money from my family and christmas and my paper route. Once I pay off what i owe to some people, i planned to just give the rest away to a shelter downtown. Its Cleveland so what better place to give to the poor. My parents are protesting that I should put it away for college in 4 years. They say I can give what I can spare but I thought Jesus said to enter the kingdom of heaven or follow him, you must give all that you have to the poor. So I am looking for an objective help on this and guidance. Anything is appreciated

I won't ever say ignore your parents because one other thing the Bible says is children obey your parents in the Lord...but if it is totally your choice I'd say try to explain to your parents that this is how you feel...I can't and won't go over their heads...but maybe you could sway them to your position and have it both ways. Sorry Doc...couldn't be of more help.

Master Vigil · Jan 6, 2005

I know this may sound harsh, but be pessimistically optimistic with me here. There will always be poor. So why give them little now? When if you put it away for college, in the future you may have LARGE sums to be able to give to them. See what I mean?

FyreBrigidIce · Jan 6, 2005

I can understand both sides of this. My suggestion would be to put it away for college so that you can earn a degree and have a better chance of earning enough money to be able to donate thoruhgout your life.

Your idea of donating to the shelter is very commendable and I appluad you immensely for it. I just think that continous ability to donate would help more people. If you donate it all now then later on there may be other people at the shelter that need it.

linwood · Jan 6, 2005

Master Vigil said:
I know this may sound harsh, but be pessimistically optimistic with me here. There will always be poor. So why give them little now? When if you put it away for college, in the future you may have LARGE sums to be able to give to them. See what I mean?

Exactly what I was going to say Master Vigil.

Think of the material comfort the money you have now might offer those in need once the interest on it is compounded.

chuck010342 · Jan 6, 2005

remeber what Jesus said "Man shall not live by bread alone" There is nothing wrong with giving the poor money but I think you should help the poor by telling them about a special kind of bread that "who ever eats of this bread will hunger agian but who ever eats of THIS bread will never hunger agian" Remember the story of the Samartain woman? I think you should use the money on your education but remember why your going to get your education.

Ronald · Jan 6, 2005

Doc, Store up treasure in heaven, you are on your way to be somebody, I commend you and say God bless you!

SoulTYPE · Jan 6, 2005

chuck010342 said:
by telling them about a special kind of bread that "who ever eats of this bread will hunger agian but who ever eats of THIS bread will never hunger agian

Please explain your answer.

I tend to agree with Vigil dude on this matter.

Mister Emu · Jan 6, 2005

Soul,

The special bread is Jesus, once you have Him, you will be forever spiritually filled, never hungering.

Doc,

Donating is a wonderful thing, and if you can donate the money and still provide for your continued education go for it. If not, then your education and the job that results will net you much more money, and thus you can donate more.

cardero · Jan 6, 2005

Is there anyway that you can put the money toward college but volunteer your time at the shelter? Most places can use the money and the extra help but if you apply your time there you can still help the poor while helping your financial schooling obligations.

Jaymes · Jan 6, 2005

Better to get a college education and be able to donate more than donate all you have and scrape by on burger-flipping. I'm confused about the Jesus thing, though... didn't he say there would always be poor people? That, along with the bread bit. When I was a Christian, I definately believed in Jesus. I tried to follow him as best I could, and STILL had so many unanswered questions and things that conflicted with my faith it was ridiculous.

Scuba Pete · Jan 6, 2005

Why don't you "tithe"... give them 10% and keep the rest for college. It's a pretty biblical concept.

Doc · Jan 6, 2005

Carderro,
Once I get my license in about a year, i can start volunteering on the weekends at shelters.

NetDoc,
That seems to be the best choice. I can take a small percentage for now, some for spending money and the rest for college. I cant wait for the license though, #1 poverty city in America is a good place to work the gospels.

Master Vigil · Jan 6, 2005

"but I think you should help the poor by telling them about a special kind of bread that "who ever eats of this bread will hunger agian but who ever eats of THIS bread will never hunger agian"

Sure, once they accept jesus as their savior, they will miraculously no longer be poor. They will no longer need your money, or shelter of some kind. They can go to the bank to get a mortgage on their house and when the bank asks them what their assets are, all they have to say is "jesus" and the bank will sign right on the dotted line.

Scuba Pete · Jan 7, 2005

When the mortgage on your mansion in heaven has been paid in full, it's a lot easier to accept these "light and momentary afflictions" as what they really are: A chance to grow.

It is easy to praise God out of our abundance. It is far harder to praise him out of our poverty. Sometimes the rich never learn how to fully rely on Jesus for their happiness. The poor have far fewer distractions.

However, it is far easier to hear God when your stomach isn't growling.

James 2:14 What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? 15 Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. 16 If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? 17 In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.

retrorich · Jan 7, 2005

chuck010342 said:
remeber what Jesus said "Man shall not live by bread alone" There is nothing wrong with giving the poor money but I think you should help the poor by telling them about a special kind of bread that "who ever eats of this bread will hunger agian but who ever eats of THIS bread will never hunger agian" Remember the story of the Samartain woman?

Yeah...like repeating a tired cliche like that is going to help a hungry, homeless person.

I think you should use the money on your education but remember why your going to get your education.

Yes. I agree with that 100%

cfer · Jan 7, 2005

I agree with Carderro on this one. As a younger person, it is much better to save your money for college and to volunteer your time at the shelter. As you grow older, you'll learn how very valuable your time really is.

But, since you have to wait until you get your driver's license in order to volunteer, how about organizing a food drive or something for the shelter. That's still doing something worthy for them, and it also allows you to save your money for college.

Or you could also give a percentage to the shelter and save a percentage for college, like NetDoc said. They're both really good ideas.

I also want to say you've got a really good head on your shoulders and a generous heart. Most 15 year olds I know would just go blow it on video games or CDs or something. You should be commended for thinking of the welfare of others less fortunate.

chuck010342 · Jan 8, 2005

SoulTYPE01 said:
Please explain your answer.

Only those who adhear to Sola Scriptora would understand what I meant. If you eat dinner and are full you get hungry agian don't you? But if you follow God you will never be hungry because God will always fulfill the need of hunger.

Feathers in Hair · Jan 8, 2005

Doc, I think you are being very mature in your decision. Quite honestly, I would support you no matter what you did. I would suggest, though, that it will be a lot easier to make back that money and then give even more to those who need it if you are able to afford to go to school.

chuck010342 said:
Only those who adhear to Sola Scriptora would understand what I meant. If you eat dinner and are full you get hungry agian don't you? But if you follow God you will never be hungry because God will always fulfill the need of hunger.

*raises hand* It may be slightly off topic, but I followed God, and that never stopped me from being hungry.

Scott1 · Jan 8, 2005

FeathersinHair said:
*raises hand* It may be slightly off topic, but I followed God, and that never stopped me from being hungry.

I started another thread so chuck can educate us all about sola scriptura.

CLICK HERE.

Jesus or a Future?

Space Chief

Well-Known Member

Well-Known Member

Returning Noob

Well-Known Member

Active Member

Well-Known Member

Well-Known Member

Emu Extraordinaire

Citizen Mod

The cake is a lie

Le plongeur avec attitude...

Space Chief

Well-Known Member

Le plongeur avec attitude...

SUPER NOT-A-MOD

Active Member

Active Member

World's Tallest Hobbit

Well-Known Member