"Sell all you have and give the money to the poor"

[Guest horselips]

Did Christ not teach a parable in which he commends the servant who multiplies the wealth of his master, and criticzes the servant who fails to do so? If wealth is to be condemned, wouldn't He have couseled the servant to counsel his master not to be greedy?

Jesus notes how difficult it is for a rich man to enter into Heaven. But is a rich man defined not by the largess he posseses, but by his attitude and perception of wealth? A rich man who looks upon his wealth as just a means to gain more for himself must certainly be viewed differently than the rich man who invests his money wisely and distributes the interest to the needy. And who are the poor and needy? Are they defined as those unable to work because of a disability, or those who have tried and failed, or those who are too lazy to work? The Old Testament mentions that those who don't work should not eat. Is a rich man wrong to give his alms to the wrong poor?

Could it be that since we all enjoy an individual, unique relationship with Jesus that the charge given to this particular rich man might apply to him alone, or to him and only those who feel exactly as he did about his estate?

The Word is full of quandaries like this - are we not allowed to take some pride in our work and our accomplishments? Is satisfaction over a job well done not a positive motivator? At what point does that pride become the sin of pride?

God tells us in the Book of Ecclesiastes that there is a time for war and a time to kill, these are among the purposes under Heaven. Jesus tells us to sell our cloak and buy a sword but also to turn the other cheek. Blessed are the peacemakers - but is this the peace of the pacifist or the peace earned in righteous victory? Methinks that Christs's attack on the money-changers, and His coming confrontation with Satan in Revelation makes it clear that we are to confront and oppose and indeed attack evil, and perhaps the peace sought by peacemakers means the vanquishing of evil. Who knows for sure?

We are commanded to give whatever we are asked without asking in return. When an atheist asks us to prove our faith by handing him $100 what do we do? Is Christianity to be a ticket to the poor house? What about living life more abundantly? Shall we fork it all over and then simply say the Lord will provide? Or are we on thin ice here since we should not tempt the Lord?

I know that some Biblical scholars will pick all these thoughts apart using other verses, but cherry-picking verses to defend a position has zero credibility. Please, the questions I have asked above were not meant to be rhetorical, but the reflection of sincere indecisiveness on these issues.

But do I really care? Nope. I am content to know that we are not to know the ways of God, but to be still and know that He is God, and in due time, in this world or the next, all will be made clear.

Edited August 25, 2007 by horselips

[Guest]

That is a pickle where one could go from one extreme to another. I've found myself giving away all my money (I still live with my mom), but seeing how I need to come to a place where I need to be able to pay my own bills, I've been saving my money. When I get a job and save up enough money (while still tithing and maybe give a dollar here or there), there will be one less poor person.

Also, don't forget who Jesus was talking to: a rich young ruler. When the young man asked Jesus how to get into Heaven, Jesus told him to keep the commandments and listed them (atleast the ones regarding other people). After the rich man stated that he already did all that, that's when Jesus told him to sell his stuff and give to the poor. It turns out that the man's riches was his true god. Jesus wanted the young man to stop worshipping the money and worship God.

A person needs a home (though not necessarily a 20-room mansion in Beverly Hills), food (though not necessarily caviar), clothes (though not necessarily a custom-tailored silk suit), and perhaps a form of transportation (though not necessarily a solid gold Rolls-Royce). The sticking point is do you have riches or does riches have you.

Yes! Very good!

[KeilanS]

I think the situation Jesus was in there was an extreme case, but what I get out of it is that if you have a $150,000 a year income, you shouldn't be giving 10% and feeling righteous. I think God understands that we need a place to live, and he understands we need food (within limits, are you eating cheap or do you go to a fancy restaurant 3 times a week?), and you probably need a car(again, within limits, is it really necessary to go buy a ferrari?).

I think what Jesus was getting at was that you shouldn't have excessive wealth. Live a modest life, no matter how much you make. And if you make enough money that you could be driving a ferrari and living in a mansion... well then give away a bit more. Nobody needs that stuff. For me, I pay for gas and insurance in my car and save some money for university. I think that's acceptable. I also don't feel bad if I spend a bit of money each month on things like going to a movie or buying a book. And then give away the rest.

[patricia1]

I think the situation Jesus was in there was an extreme case, but what I get out of it is that if you have a $150,000 a year income, you shouldn't be giving 10% and feeling righteous. I think God understands that we need a place to live, and he understands we need food (within limits, are you eating cheap or do you go to a fancy restaurant 3 times a week?), and you probably need a car(again, within limits, is it really necessary to go buy a ferrari?).

I think what Jesus was getting at was that you shouldn't have excessive wealth. Live a modest life, no matter how much you make. And if you make enough money that you could be driving a ferrari and living in a mansion... well then give away a bit more. Nobody needs that stuff. For me, I pay for gas and insurance in my car and save some money for university. I think that's acceptable. I also don't feel bad if I spend a bit of money each month on things like going to a movie or buying a book. And then give away the rest.

I live on nothing practically and am content. There is nothing wrong with wealth if it use for Gods Glory. There are plenty that give so much and God blesses them with more Their stewardship is virtuous and pure... Jesus was the richest man I know. Jesus did not pick them because they were poor...I do not think matthew , luke and paul would have been considered poor. Paul left his riches behind to preach the Gospel.. Matthew the tax collector poor, Luke the doctor poor? I don't think so ! If we are here during war we are going to leave it all behind one way all the other.

There are times I have cried due to the fact that my daughter is wearing second hand clothes in the past...now seven yrs later I acn buy her a few things. Praise the Lord Jesus. patricia

[7thseal]

Can you suggest a few passages that do teach about generosity and how we should handle possessions?

Thanks,

Fiosh

2 Corinthians 9:6 But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. 7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work: 9 (As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever.

Theres a few verses which come to mind.

I've seen some who's generosity cuts into my heart because they're so willing to give yet not having much. You can see the joy on their face.

Then I personally know of friends who gives cheerfully and I've watched God simply pour more blessings on them than they can handle. They turn around and give it cheerfully.

Its amazing how God can work no matter what 'material level' we might label ourselves at.

[Fiosh]

I think the situation Jesus was in there was an extreme case, but what I get out of it is that if you have a $150,000 a year income, you shouldn't be giving 10% and feeling righteous. I think God understands that we need a place to live, and he understands we need food (within limits, are you eating cheap or do you go to a fancy restaurant 3 times a week?), and you probably need a car(again, within limits, is it really necessary to go buy a ferrari?).

I think what Jesus was getting at was that you shouldn't have excessive wealth. Live a modest life, no matter how much you make. And if you make enough money that you could be driving a ferrari and living in a mansion... well then give away a bit more. Nobody needs that stuff. For me, I pay for gas and insurance in my car and save some money for university. I think that's acceptable. I also don't feel bad if I spend a bit of money each month on things like going to a movie or buying a book. And then give away the rest.

That sounds like the true spirit of living as a disciple of Jesus.

[Marnie]

There alot of truth in what y'all ( a little nod to scarletprayers ) have said. Yet I always come back to this: who is the model of how I should live a life surrendered to God?

Jesus. Right. How much did Jesus own?

How about the Apostles? Were they rich? Did they own more than what they absolutely needed?

What about the widow's mite?

See my dilemma?

Are we just trying to justify ourselves by saying it's ok to have alot of stuff? I'm not sure.

Maybe I should live in a house just big enough to provide shelter. Own enough clothes to be presentable. Buy enough food to eat a healthy diet. etc....

Do I really need as much as I have?

How can I walk past hungry people on the street, and go home to all that I own without feeling guilty? And I don't even have all that much by this country's standards.

Sorry, this is kind of a downer, it's been an emotionally draining week.

Peace,

Fiosh

First, Jesus is the Son of G-d, so He owns everything anyway. He willingly surrendered it for a while, but got it all back.

Second, the disciples had jobs, some had wives, Paul was not poor nor were the prophets.

Third, what about the widow's mite?

Fourth, why not view your prosperity as tremendous blessings from G-d for the purpose of helping others?

Fifth, as per the above, don't shun G-d's blessings! Enjoy them while you have them but keep your eyes on the Blessor, not on the blessings.

Six, most of us don't need as much as we have. See above two points.

Seven, Instead of feeling guilty, why not praise the Lord that (1) that hungry street person isn't you, then (2) do something to help them.

Your post isn't a downer at all. To me it emphasizes how truly blessed we are.

[Fiosh]

Can you suggest a few passages that do teach about generosity and how we should handle possessions?

Thanks,

Fiosh

2 Corinthians 9:6 But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. 7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work: 9 (As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever.

Theres a few verses which come to mind.

I've seen some who's generosity cuts into my heart because they're so willing to give yet not having much. You can see the joy on their face.

Then I personally know of friends who gives cheerfully and I've watched God simply pour more blessings on them than they can handle. They turn around and give it cheerfully.

Its amazing how God can work no matter what 'material level' we might label ourselves at.

Amen, 7th seal.

This passage also comes to mind. It demonstrates what Jesus demands of His disciples:

Luke 12:

29

As for you, do not seek what you are to eat and what you are to drink, and do not worry anymore.

30

All the nations of the world seek for these things, and your Father knows that you need them.

31

Instead, seek his kingdom, and these other things will be given you besides.

32

Do not be afraid any longer, little flock, for your Father is pleased to give you the kingdom.

33

Sell your belongings and give alms. Provide money bags for yourselves that do not wear out, an inexhaustible treasure in heaven that no thief can reach nor moth destroy.

34

For where your treasure is, there also will your heart be.

[Fiosh]

yod, I must tell you, you just brought tears to my eyes.

Bless you, brother,

Fiosh

big kissies, sissy!

Back atcha, bro!

[7thseal]

I think if we listen to the Spirit he will let us know when, how much, and who to give to. Let me give you a story of how the Holy Spirit taught me a lesson of how given something simple as a bottle of water can bring joy and love.

I was out riding my streetbike enjoying my time alone with the Lord. The day was hot and humid and I was riding some back roads so I got on the main highway to head back to town. I was about 11 miles out from town when I passed by an elder lady pulling a wagon filled with empty jugs. I felt the Holy Spirit telling me to go back. I kept going and again I felt strongly the need to go back so I turned around and went back. I pulled over and at first she seemed worried (maybe I was this outlaw biker....the flames painted on my bike? )

I asked her if there was anything I could do to help, she asked if I had some rope to tie the wagon behind my bike because she was heading to town to get some water. 11 miles out, walking down the highway in heat probably close to 100 degrees. I told her to wait there and I would be back in my truck. I went to the house got my truck and came back and to my surprise she had already walked another mile or two toward town. I loaded the wagon and jugs in the back and she told me which gas station to carry her to that had a water hose. I pulled up to the hose ready to fill the jugs and she told me to wait until she went and got permission from the worker in the station.

I went with her and told the worker I would pay if needed for the water and the lady said it was fine to get what we wanted. As I was filling the jugs I looked at the ice cooler that I keep in the back of my truck and it was filled with a case of ice cold bottle water that I usually keep on ice. I thought to myself wow how much more does the Lord bless us with. I gave her the bottles of water that I had and she chugged one down right there.

I took her back to where she lived and it was nothing more than a camper with no electricity or water. We got to talking as I unloaded the wagon and she asked why I was doing this for her. I told her that Jesus wants her to know that he cares....she stared at the ground in a daze for a minute then asked if I would pray for her....which I did. She gave me a hug and I handed her whatever amount of money I had in my wallet, she thanked me and I was on my way.

That day the Lord used both I for her and her for I to show me the need to love and help others through His love. I felt a joy and love in my heart as drove home that caused me to laugh and give praise to the Lord.

I tell you...our God is amazing!