Chapter 1 - Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven - Matthew 5:3
Choose 1 of the 7 experiments to do over the next month
1. Shut your pie hole.
- Fast from food for a period of time as a way of making yourself aware of its physical and emotional ownership over you. Think about how important food is to us; then reflect on Christ's suggestion that life is more important than food.
2. Ten items or
- Not everyone has the luxury of choosing between steak and grilled chicken. Skip a meal or use some allowance to go grocery shopping; then donate everything to the local food pantry. Try to buy things you would like, not just the cheapest stuff on the shelf.
3. Don't even give me the evil eye.
- The Bible describes a person who chases after material things as having an evil eye. So when Jesus speaks of a person with good eyes (Matthew 6), he is talking about someone who is generous and not solely concerned with his or her own needs. Try to be generous this week. Instead of spending your extra cash on new clothes or music, spend it on a friend who doesn't have as much as you. Even better, don't let them find out it was you!
4. Roughing it. Air mattress not included.
- Sleep on the floor for a week. Think about how life might be different if you didn't have a comfy home. If you're feeling extra adventurous, take a few showers without warm water. Remember, with less of you, there is more room for God.
5. Let it go.
- Take a trip through your room and find something valuable, something you depend on, something you feel like you can't do without. Practice what it means to depend on God by giving it away and not replacing it. Have a conversation with one or both of your parents before you do this experiment. Talk about what it means to you to give something of great value, knowing you are not going to replace it for a while.
6. Because she believed her life counted
- Go to http://www.alexslemonade.org/ and give a donation to help fund cancer research for dying children. Those who are sick often see God's kingdom much differently than we do. Remember the lesson Alex's life can teach us as you save up for this worthy cause.
7. Thanks but no thanks, Mr. Edison.
- Minimize your use of electricity (eg., candlelight instead of 60 watts, books instead of TV, line dry instead of tumble dry). Talk with your parents about donating the difference in your electricity bill to your electric company's poverty account or about making this a way of life for the long run.
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