The life and trials of a growing Christian- Day Fifty Four

This morning I went to my Tuesday morning bible study as I do almost every Tuesday. We have been going through the book of John which is a very powerful book. We read chapter 12:1-19, but we really got hung up on 4-8 for most of the study. For anyone who doesn't know, this part is where Judas Iscariot is criticizing Mary, the sister of Lazarus for pouring a jar of very expensive perfume (pure nard) on Jesus feet and wiping them with her hair. He (Judas) said that the perfume could have been sold and the money given to the poor. It goes on to say that he said this because he had charge of the money and was a thief, and regularly helped himself to the money.
The conversation that took place after that was primarily regarding money and the proper use of it for God's kingdom. The more they talked, the less control I seemed to be able to have. I couldn't keep it in, I had to make a statement about all of the money that I feel gets wasted on pomp and man's glory instead of helping those who truly need it. I think it kind of went over their heads, but that's OK, I said what I felt and now I feel a little better.

On the way home from the bible study I knew that I had to go to the store for a couple of things, and I thought I might pick up a CD for my wife (and me), but when I went to turn in to the store, I came across a young woman (maybe twenty or so) who was panhandling. I immediately knew what I had to do. I had to get her something to eat, and drink. How could I say what I said just twenty minutes prior and leave this girl out in the street without anything to eat, so I could get a CD? I got her a sub sandwich and a gallon of drinking water (not much, but filling) and a Gospel of John (ironic huh?). I'm not saying this so I can brag, or gain any glory, but that I can glorify Jesus. I also want to make the point that if I am going to call myself a follower of Christ, I have to walk the walk and not just talk the talk. Today I was able to make a small step in the right direction, I just hope and pray that my pride and greed doesn't blind me or trip me up and hinder me in the future.