09/26/13 SOMETHING I HAVE ALWAYS TAUGHT
There are several good tools online, to help you find statistics concerning the livability of a specific city, or comparing the livability of various cities. There are some needs that enter into a person choosing a location, in which to live. Sometimes God uses the circumstances of life to lead us into His will (health, family, freedom). But do not forget the spiritual needs should always come first.
Regardless of how high or low the city may rank in livability, if it is where God wants you, then that is where you should be; or, if it is not where God wants you, it is not where you should be.
In fact, I have always taught that a person should not choose their city of residence based on salary, schools, jobs or other secondary issues, but rather, where they can thrive and serve God in the most effective way. This is not only true for the person who has a Divine calling to full time ministry as a vocation, but for all followers of Christ.
People have long believed that pastors and missionaries should serve God gladly, even when they did not profit financially in their area of service. There is no double standard. All Christians should put their own spiritual well being, the spiritual well being of their families and their service to God before any personal gain or pleasure.
People will choose a location because they can fatten their pocket book, while starving their soul. They will choose a location for the advantages of good schooling, but rob their children of strong, solid, spiritual leadership and teaching. They will choose a location that brings them temporal pleasure and ease, while failing to prepare for eternity with God.
Sad to say, men who claim to have a call from God today are more interested in their proposed salary, perks, and housing allowance than they are in the call and leading of God.
