Following on yesterday's observation I'd like to take a look at a story that I think some use to suggest that Christians should be socialists. As I wrote yesterday, I believe the Bible is a book of balance. What I mean by that is that you have to take the whole Bible into account, not just a verse here and there. This story I think gives us a chance to do that.
This story has been analyzed ad nuaseum so I'm not sure my observations will add anything but I'd like to take a stab at it anyway.
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Matthew 19:16-24(NKJV)
16Now behold, one came and said to Him, “Good£ Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?”
17So He said to him, £“Why do you call Me good? £No one is good but One, that is, God. But if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments.”
18He said to Him, “Which ones?” Jesus said, “‘You shall not murder,’ ‘You shall not commit adultery,’ ‘You shall not steal,’ ‘You shall not bear false witness,’
19‘Honor your father and your mother,’ £ and, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’”£
20The young man said to Him, “All these things I have kept £from my youth. What do I still lack?”
21Jesus said to him, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.”
22But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.
23Then Jesus said to His disciples, “Assuredly, I say to you that it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven.
24And again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”
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As we study the word we need to take the whole Bible into account, Old Testament as well as New. Why? Because God and Jesus are one. The Bible clearly tells us that a "house divided against itself cannot stand". Jesus also tells us that what He does He does not for Himself but for God. In other words, He and God are in complete agreement.
Now many people who read this think that A) it is telling all of us to sell everything and give it all to the poor. This is where the socialism aspect comes from in my opinion. B) That the rich are bad or evil and can't really get to heaven.
Now let me tell you what I think it means and why I think it. The issue here in my opinion is not that the young man was wealthy, but that he was more attached to his wealth than he was to Jesus. In other words it was the love of his money that was the problem, not the money itself.
But as we look elsewhere in the New Testament we have Paul telling us to work and earn our keep, not to be a burden on others. Part of not being a burden to others it take care of ourselves financially.
In the Old Testament we have God telling us to leave an inheritance for our grandchildren. So here again we have God telling us that we have a responsibility to build some wealth for our families. I could cite many more but this will due for my purposes today.
My point is that because of these other examples I don't think it is credible to suggest that we are all called to sell everything and give it to the poor. That would contradict what God told us to do regarding our grandchildren.
The real issue here is our attitude about our wealth. Do we love it more than we love God? Do we draw more strength and security from our wealth than we do from God? How can we tell?
Here is a good indication. And let me just say that this analysis works not just on our money but our time as well. When God asks you for more, what is your first reaction? Is it one of immediate "Sure God, whatever you want, it's yours. Not quite sure how we will make it happen but we trust you so no problem, you want it you got it"! Want more of my wealth, you got it. Want more of my time, you got it. Want more of my efforts, you got it.
Or is your response an immediate tightening (either real or just in your heart) of your grip on your stuff? Sorry God, can't afford it right now. Sorry God, don't have the extra time to give you right now. Sorry God, that would take to much effort right now and I just don't have the extra energy.
See the difference? Now if God has spoken directly to you and told you to sell everything and follow Him then my suggestion is that you do it. Some are called to do that. But on the other hand, are we all called to do that? I don't think so.
Here is what we are all called to do. Be willing to give it all if asked. Everything we have comes from God. He's not asking for anything that He didn't give us in the first place. If you want to experience one of the true joys of the Christian walk then make a decision right now that the next time that God asks you for a little something extra your instant response is going to be "You want it God, you got it!"
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