It is harder for a rich man to enter the Kingdom...; however, I think that this discussion can quickly derail if the danger of independence gets too entangled with the discussion of free-market economics verses socialism.
It is easier for the individual who has nothing to seek for something, but it is still imperative that the individual finds sustenance in the right thing; therefore, sharing is better than hoarding, yet wealth and prosperity are not necessarily the fruit of selfish hoarding.
Materialism can be as distracting as socialism, as they have and do both prove. Materialism can effectively distract people from their need for God, and Socialism can effectively distract people from their need for God. The former often gets drunk on independence, while the latter often gets drunk on moral superiority.
Ok, so my post is no more distracting than this critique on consumption. It just seems that this post is doing, what I am the master of; making a valid point on the basis of some flawed premises.
For example:
Socialism although fairly extrapolated from the Apostles’ actions, is no more of a prescription for Christian living than calling the apostles to go into all the world and preach the gospel. Surely missions are good Godly practice, but for a missionary to brow beat a Christ follower for not joining a mission organization seems a bit unwise. Certainly there is a universal truth in the Great Commission for all Christians; as well as, within the call to not root ourselves in the pursuit of wealth.
With respect to the writer, I do not believe that the only God honoring action is to sell all we have and give to the poor, and with respect to the missionary, I do not believe that we should all be missionaries. Rather, universally speaking, we should be continually refocused on where our treasure is, and above all else we like the apostle Paul should preach Christ crucified.
I think it's sad that it is automatically linked to fiscal governments. While I can see how this article could get one to that point, I cannot help but think about Jesus, his disciples, and the call to leave our possessions, take up the cross and follow Him. Him - who had nothing but gave everything for us, sinners.
While I think there is nothing wrong with possessions and money and consumption, I strongly feel its the heart behind them.
Testing
ReplyDeleteIt is harder for a rich man to enter the Kingdom...; however, I think that this discussion can quickly derail if the danger of independence gets too entangled with the discussion of free-market economics verses socialism.
ReplyDeleteIt is easier for the individual who has nothing to seek for something, but it is still imperative that the individual finds sustenance in the right thing; therefore, sharing is better than hoarding, yet wealth and prosperity are not necessarily the fruit of selfish hoarding.
Materialism can be as distracting as socialism, as they have and do both prove. Materialism can effectively distract people from their need for God, and Socialism can effectively distract people from their need for God. The former often gets drunk on independence, while the latter often gets drunk on moral superiority.
Ok, so my post is no more distracting than this critique on consumption. It just seems that this post is doing, what I am the master of; making a valid point on the basis of some flawed premises.
For example:
Socialism although fairly extrapolated from the Apostles’ actions, is no more of a prescription for Christian living than calling the apostles to go into all the world and preach the gospel. Surely missions are good Godly practice, but for a missionary to brow beat a Christ follower for not joining a mission organization seems a bit unwise. Certainly there is a universal truth in the Great Commission for all Christians; as well as, within the call to not root ourselves in the pursuit of wealth.
With respect to the writer, I do not believe that the only God honoring action is to sell all we have and give to the poor, and with respect to the missionary, I do not believe that we should all be missionaries. Rather, universally speaking, we should be continually refocused on where our treasure is, and above all else we like the apostle Paul should preach Christ crucified.
I think it's sad that it is automatically linked to fiscal governments. While I can see how this article could get one to that point, I cannot help but think about Jesus, his disciples, and the call to leave our possessions, take up the cross and follow Him. Him - who had nothing but gave everything for us, sinners.
ReplyDeleteWhile I think there is nothing wrong with possessions and money and consumption, I strongly feel its the heart behind them.
3 comments before me! Wowzer! :)
ReplyDeleteI just thought it was interesting that my cousin posted this on her blog this week.
http://www.simpsonsix.com/2012/01/how-much-is-too-much.html
Just made me think. We work hard for what we have but I often feel like I could change lives if I wouldn't be so selfish with it.
- Jodi