We must live simply so others can simply live.
That’s an old quote my dad used to say. I think it offers some good insight into the recent public reactions to excessive executive pay.
The widening gap between the rich and poor in America is the cornerstone of Obama’s economic and foreign policy as he attempts to spread the wealth around a bit. But whether you’re Republican or Democrat, if that gap becomes too wide doesn’t it become a moral issue for all of us?
A fellow Indiana Family Institute board member and I wrestled with that question yesterday. Our institute promotes pro-family government policy and develops resources to enrich marriage. But in recent years, we’ve experienced the same decreasing influence as the church at large.
Why?
Are Christians perceived as too wealthy and inward focused to be a trusted servant of all? A typical US Christian stands in stark contrast to a simple Mother Teresa. And could the 2% national tithing average of Christians be a symptom of “affluenza,” a condition caused from being too focused on our own wealth creation to be considered a credible voice?
And if so, what level of sacrifice or simple living do you think it will take to regain that voice in the important moral conversations of the day?
Good convicting thoughts. Love, J
Hmmm….I think we should all have my brother-in-law Caleb design us simple sustainable modern homes. They are soooo cool. =o) Just a thought.
In all seriousness though, I think a more simple lifestyle would, not only be a better influence to those looking on, but would also be more refreshing for us. What a simple way to excuse ourselves from the rat race and simply work to glorify the king.
Ann
Ed,
I don’t think it is money that has caused the church to not “be considered [a] credible voice”. It is possibly “the love of money” that is the problem, but really that is because in choosing to serve mammon, we cannot fully and effectively serve God (Matthew 6:24). In order to “regain that voice”, we need to love and serve God completely and lay our ALL on the altar of sacrifice, giving it all to God to use as He sees fit.
It isn’t about simple living (as some people would like to define that term) as much as it is about Godly living, being a city on the hill or a light in the darkness (Matthew 5:14-16).
As a side question: I don’t deny that many Christians are “too focused on our own wealth creation”, but is there any data to back up the assertion that Christians are any more affluent than the rest of our neighbors?
Amen Mike,
I think serving mammon is the virus that has been caught by many Christians.
I look at it a little differently though. I see people serving mammon by chasing the world for the provision in their lives.
They don’t really believe that their Father will take care of them and their needs, wants, desires, and bills.
I’m not advocating for Christians to be bad stewards with our resources, but when the world sees Christians cutting everything, saying that we can’t afford things, and “nickeling and diming” each other, it does not attract people to the Church or our Lord.
I can imagine how I would feel as a father, if I found out that my children were cheating each other to make more money because they were afraid that I would not provide for them.
I seriously doubt that the world thinks that Christians are more affluent.
Jens,
Thanks for stopping by…always love your comments.
Love ya,
Dad
Amen, Tyrone! Your comment about how you’d feel as a Dad is timely and will be great food to ponder. Thanks.
Ann,
The thought of excusing ourselves from the rat race does look inviting at times.
Of course we are taught in the Word to take no thought of tomorrow. The recent financial crisis does seem to reveal far to much financial leverage for homes and possessions. Without that leverage our lives could look and feel quite different.
Your thoughtful insight makes me smile and count my blessings.
Love ya,
Dad
Mike,
No it isn’t about simple living or money itself. But simple living can free up significant resources of time and money to create many more lights on hills for Kingdom impact.
I don’t have data handy that shows Christians are wealthier than the culture at large. But we know that perceptions are reality. And the money we spend on buildings, programs, audio, video, lighting, mission trips, etc does create a perception that Christians are quite wealthy compared to 95% of the world. When you consider the average Christian only tithes 2% the perception is only strengthened.
We’re noticing people, especially the younger couples, in churches are becoming uncomfortable with the strong emphasis on these large capitol outlays unless they are tightly tied to ministry. In fact many churches today combine some kind of ministry outreach fund raising with the building fund raising as a result.
Just thinking with you,
Ed
Tyrone,
I’m with Dan on the dad comment as well. As always, thought provoking insight!
Ed
Just a comment from John Wesley along these lines that’s challenged me.
“On Wesley’s wisdom for hard economic times: earn all you can, save all you can, and give all you can.”
… the full relatively short message is here:
http://www.cambridgestudycenter.com/giving/wesley.htm
Lib,
Thanks for the reminder.
I didn’t know that quote came from Wesley but its one of my favorites.
Thanks for adding a valuable thought to the conversation.
Ed