Making Comparisons
Just as in our society, there are poor Amish and wealthy Amish. Can you tell the difference between the two just by looking? Not really, and that’s the point. A wealthy Amish family might own land, have a plain house with lots of additions on it, or an asphalt driveway. Whereas a less wealthy Amish person might have a modest, attractive, but plain house with a simple gravel line leading to a small barn. But if you saw two Amishmen walking down the street (or across a hayfield) you’d have no clue about their economic backgrounds.
There is a proverb that speaks to this. Proverbs 13:7. "One man pretends to be rich, yet has nothing; another pretends to be poor, yet has great wealth."
The Amish strive to be cohesive in their dress and beliefs, and they also
refuse to be ostentatious or flaunt their wealth. Being rich can sometimes
result in spending money on wasteful, unimportant things that add no value to
life or faith. And being poor doesn’t mean one isn’t content in his or her
circumstances. The Amish avoid these comparisons of earthly gain—its one less
thing to worry about!
Question: Do you compare yourself to
others?
Thanks, Kathleen. I love the read Amish Hearts.
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Kathleen, thank you so much for sharing today. My husband and I have been repainting the inside of our home because getting new carpet will make our walls look somewhat drab and they needed it also.
Debbie
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What a great discussion. I do compare myself to others when I see their actions. Not what they own or wear or what their "status" in society is, but what seems to come from their heart. It is amazing to sit back and watch the behavior of people in different situations. One of the reason I admire the Amish so much is that they seem to truly have a grasp of what is important in life. I often wonder if yaou took away some people's fancy cars and houses and cars, who would they really be? What you have in life does not define who you are. It is what is in our hearts and we would do well to remember God knows what is in your heart no matter how you act, dress or live !!
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Donna, I totally agree with you. God knows what is in your heart. He does not determine his love for us based on how we dress, our status in society, or our works. By grace alone, we are redeemed. So much value is placed on material things, but material things are not important. Can you take all these things to heaven with you?
The true wealth is this precious gift.--the gift God has given us--eternal life in heaven. What better gift is that? Nothing on this earth can compare to this promise.
The Amish are so humble. They are true servants of the Lord. They live by His commands and they live their lives to please Him. It does all come from the heart!!
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You make an interesting point Kathleen, but from what ive seen id say the Lancaster and Ohio Amish have benefited greatly from there respective tourist areas. So I'm not saying those Amish in other states are not doing well for themselves, but those two well traveled states from what I've seen have a very prosperous Amish settlements. Richard from Amish Stories
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Kathleen: Beautifully said. I liked the comparision. You painted a word picture! Years ago when the economy was thriving, our business was bringing in a more than decent amount of money. Ah,time for a bigger house up on a hill? But no, I realized our home was simple but oh so homey and comfy. We stayed and am so thankful. The economy has plumeted, our business is down sized dramaticly and our simple home? We are still enjoying it without the stress of high payments! The example of the Amish in my life has been such a blessing and encouragment as we continualy strive to live 'simply'.
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I'm ashamed to say it, but yes I do compare myself to others. Occasionally wishing that I were going on a vacation like somebody else. Had a bigger house to be able to fit things into. (We have 2 house fulls of things to fit in one house). Sometimes I wish I had more money to buy all the books I'd like to read.
Other times I'd like to be able to sing better to praise God with. I know He enjoys our praise and doesn't care if there's a flat note or ten in there.
Other times I wish I didn't have to have fibromyalgia and be in so much pain all the time. Or that I don't have the weight and health problems that I have. They get me judged by so many people, including doctors.
I guess it's yet another area that God will have to work on with me.
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