Posted in
Simplicity by Wilson Bunn on 11/23/2010
We perceive externally that people driving nice cars with large houses and bank accounts have freedom, security, wealth, and comfort, because we have been conditioned to perceive the external appearance of these as a sign of the true, internal presence of them.
I am realizing how false this is.
We are so surrounded by the world, its values and paradigms that it is difficult for us to divorce our thinking and world views from the values we see expressed around us.
We rely on our sight and perceptions as measures of truth instead of trusting in the Word of God or his Spirit to measure those. True Freedom, True Security, True Comfort, and True Wealth are found in Christ and in him alone.
True freedom is not found in external conditions of the ability to make choices, go places, and follow our thoughts and desires with no inhibitions.
True freedom is found at the Cross and liberates us regardless of external situations.
The inmate in solitary confinement who has found Christ and abides in Him has more freedom than the Donald Trumps, Bill Gates, and Warren Buffets. He is free in his confinement, because the freedom is found completely outside of the limitations of the physical universe. His Spirit can soar with Christ, wallowing in oceans of joy because of the infinite value of Christ removes all of the perceived, physical limitations.
The circumstances of confinement cannot contain the Christ-abider because the world was created in, and through, and for Christ-- with no limitations whatsoever.
True security: is not found in armored cars, alarm systems, hired bodyguards, and political peace, it is found in Christ. Being secure in Christ means that He is caring for you with infinite love and immortal sovereignty. He works all things according to the counsel of His will. He works all things for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. Being secure in the power and care of God's sovereign rule over the world means that no physical danger or injury, no harm, no death, nothing can come to you but what God has allowed or ordained in His infinite love and wisdom.
True comfort: is not found in plush seating, expensive limos, 1st class tickets, and Armani suits. It transcends the physical expression of comfort to an inward satisfaction and peace in Christ. Comfort can be sitting on a hard cement floor because you are sitting there with the Master in His arms.
Comfort can be living on the streets trusting in the good and merciful sovereignty of God. Comfort can be an uncomfortable situation with chronic pain where your only solace comes in crying out to Christ for the grace and strength to hold on until He releases you from the terminal cancer.
True wealth: is not measured by numbers, accounts, land holdings, or status symbols. Wealth is measured by having and valuing what is Truly valuable. A person with diamonds and gold galore yet uses them for door stops and paper weights is not wealthy. Wealth is measured by both possession and value.
To be wealthy we must not only possess what is truly valuable (Christ) but we must value it supremely as it merits. Using a diamond as a paperweight and door stop doesn't diminish the value of the diamond, it reveals the poverty of the owner because he is not valuing the valuable. Christ is unequivocally the most valuable thing we could ever conceive, and our wealth is measured in how much we recognize and treasure Him.
Our indifference to Christ does nothing to diminish His value or glory, but our wealth is measured in our value of Him. If you want to be the wealthiest person in the world, then treasure Him more than anyone else in existence and you shall be.
Wilson enjoys being forgiven by Jesus, reading, and mixed martial arts.
I'm 44 years old and only just now discovering that I don't know how to be a friend. 
As the college spring break season winds down to a painful finale, let
us pause to remember the glory days of our youth-beautiful Caribbean
beaches, random hookups, binge drinking, morning hangovers, and crappy
hotels.
I was lucky enough to be offered a review copy of Keri Wyatt Kent's
new book 
Most people in America know what a missionary is. Many may think of
people speaking about Africa at their church, asking for money. For
others, the kid who was home schooled in a jungle and have a hard time
fitting back into society, may come to mind. I've had some several
different stereotypes over the years, regarding this breed of
Jesus-followers, and now, I suppose, I am one.
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music and chatter. We were ushered in to yet another home in the
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hands. Everyone was laughing, and I found myself laughing along, partly
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