Feeling like the hypocrite?
Published by Matt Glover January 15th, 2006 in Questions of FaithWe’re thinking about moving house. Actually, we’re 99% sure we’ll do it, but every so often I feel like the biggest hypocrite in Melbourne.
Katrina has wanted to move for years, but I’ve been pretty stubborn (fancy that!). There’s nothing wrong with the house. We fit in it perfectly and it’s in a great location. We don’t owe anything. But…
It’s on the side of a hill, and the garage and yard are basically a story below the living level. So, to go anywhere means trudging down stairs. This wasn’t such a big deal until the nightmare holiday when Katrina hurt her back. Watching her struggle each day with the boys on her own isn’t easy. Plus, the boys can’t play outside without one of us physically being there - we simply can’t see the backyard from inside.
The other reason has to do with ministry. If we’re doing something as a family with others, that’s fine, but if I’m spending time with an individual, a couple or a group, and Katrina is not involved, then she is relegated to the bedroom. The lounge is a pathway to the rest of the house. Thus much of my pastoral work means being away from the house at night - this is not good either.
Hence, we’re thinking of moving to something that’s both more family friendly and ministry friendly.
But, I’ve made such a point about trying to live debt free over the last few years that I feel like some hypocritical jerk if we move and have to take out a loan (not that it would be much). Plus, I see simple living as an important part of discipleship, and so ask myself almost daily whether moving house is slapping the simple lifestyle in the face.
We have great neighbours and good friends where we’re living now. We’ve been here six years and this is the only house our kids have known.
Arrgghhh!
I’ve lost a bit of sleep over this one. Katrina is still convinced. I’m not sure. I know God has given us a brain to make some of these decisions on our own, but this is one time I wish there was some clear sign from heaven.
Anyway, we’re cleaning up and getting ready for the ‘open for inspection’ adventure. Perhaps it is a step of faith. Perhaps it is a step of stupidity.
Time will tell I guess.
PS: Let me know if you want to buy a 4 bedroom + study house in Nunawading….
Yesterday at church the speaker used a “one-off throw-away” line that just MAY speak to you Matt:
“If you’re not living your life on the edge in faith, you’re taking up too much space!”
This may be a “faith step” (literally) that you NEED to take, but won’t know you needed to, until AFTER you’ve done so??? I’m praying for you (and as I’m in Belgium, that means I’m praying for you when you’re asleep; and if you’re praying for you when you’re awake, that’s almost constant prayer for this one … ???).
Thanks Sarah!