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| Money (Photo credit: 401(K) 2012) |
It's a shame the parallel you can draw between this movie and society in the real world. We treat money the same way, hoarding it, while millions of people die from lack of water and food, and from simple diseases that could be avoided. And before we start staring down the billionaires and the superstars, we have to take a good look at ourselves. We live in a society in which the price of a coffee can equal the days wage of a person in some other countries. It's on all of our heads. I'm willing to say it. Our politicians will never fix any of these issues. We either elect a Democrat who ushers in more government assistance and control, or we elect a Republican who promotes free enterprise. Neither of these parties addresses the real issues we have, and they never will.
The truth is, there is plenty of money to go around, and that chokes me up as I write this. No one has to die. How will we stand collectively in front of God justifying the many systems we've created? Paul writes: "People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction." 1 Timothy 6:9 We have all been blinded, forced into the belief that the system we have is as equal and as fair as can be attained. If we do feel as though we have "enough money," then we find ourselves without enough time. It is a shame we follow instead of lead. With Jesus in control of enough lives, we could make the necessary changes. If our country really was "under God," then we would be moving in the right direction.
It is only Jesus inside of each one of us that can help us collectively make the changes that need to be made. Proverbs 22:16 says "He who oppresses the poor to make more for himself or who gives to the rich, will only come to poverty." Can we come together and stop this cyclical nonsense of greed and destruction? Most people approach issues like this with the idea that they can't make a difference, or that the world is just lost; Jesus returning is its only saving grace. I have news for those people. The eternal life that Jesus gave us starts now! Love has won. Victory arose in the Son! This means we have an accountability to do everything we can to (once again I'm quoting my pastor) "make up there come down here."
thank you Jesse, something I have seen and been concerned about for many years. Isn't that sorta the basics behind tithes and offerings, so that the church"God's People", can take of those whom are without for whatever circumstance. We have sorely fallen short of His expectations me thinks...
ReplyDeleteYou're right about it being the basics behind tithes and offerings, and it's sad that we've fallen short when its quite obvious there is plenty to go around. It's time for change, or we are going to reap what we sow. All I see is a naked and thin person wandering through the jungle, searching for a meal, for water, and just trying to remain safe. How dare we uphold this system.
DeleteWonderful post as always very good lessons. Id say there are plenty of resources food water land ect to go round, but not money. Since money is not intrinsically valuable its based on scarcity. If it were evenly divided it would cease to be valuable. I would also say that even if you evenly divided all the worlds resources or money some would still squander it. The bible has several examples of both wise and foolish stewardship. Its not bad to aquire wealth with wealth one can do a lot to alieviate suffering in the world. Also if resources and wealth were evenly divided there would be nothing that required extra effort or education. More people would suffer because their would be no doctors or labs to cure them. Some would be willing to make the sacrifice for the good of others but most would not. Most people strive for the status quo of doing as little for as much as possible. This also isnt inherently evil its sorta of the law of conservation of energy of psychology. Not to mention if the world were to perfect we wouldnt feel called to God or self sacrifice or giving. There is much more corruption and greed than there has to be. The goal should be moderation. Being a good steward and properly managing what you have and putting people first. So even though there is suffering in the world this still works towards Gods plan, because we suffer now we can have Hope in heaven and be charitable to one another.
ReplyDeleteIn regards to tithing, Im convinced it is the spirit and not the letter of the law we should follow. 10% is the bare minimum. And money the least effort. A tithe of time and caring for those who need it can do even more than a few dollars in an offering plate. Im not saying people shouldnt also tither churches must function and charities and ministries must be funded. But often we can make more impact by slowing down and noticing our neighbors, taking time to visit the elderly, prisoners and living the beatitudes. The goal should be to reach apoint where we no longer need the law but our whole lives are an offerin of service to God and fellow man.
Thanks Lacey! I really like how you mentioned being a good steward of your money, and I also like your view of tithing. and how the goal is a life as an offering of service to God and others. And we should definitely take notice, slow down, and help others. Very good take on everything, and thanks! :)
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