I guess there’s nothing to do but jump in, huh?

Jen helps me do just that.  (I like calling her Jen.  I’m pretty sure she reads my blog, you see.)

Okay, prepare for a little sarcasm…

“Jesus talked repeatedly about people with privileges, riches, advantages.  He was always saying how rich people were favored and that our luxuries were granted to us on merit. 

Enjoy them, rich folks!

It’s all for you, and you’re awesome!

Just kidding.

I can’t find a single word Jesus spoke that bodes well for rich people at the top of the food chain.

‘Woe to you who are rich, for you have received your comfort.’ Luke 6:24

‘As for the seed that fell among thorns, these are the ones who, when they have heard, go on their way and are choked with worries, riches, and pleasures of life, and produce no mature fruit.’  Luke 8:14

‘That’s how it is with the one who stores us treasure for himself and is not rich toward God.’ Luke 12:21

‘He has satisfied the hungry with good things and sent the rich away empty.’  Luke 1:53

[The story of the rich young ruler] was no problem for me most of my life.  I mean, bummer for all those rich people!  Whew!  What a mess they are.  Jesus is not playing…

Then things started getting weird for me.

Rogue thoughts about my own wealth began infiltrating my brain, where I’d cleared space for more comfortable ideas, like, for instance, how to have a happy life. 

These intruders started questioning the residents in my mind, asking about the rest of the world and how are you spending your money and why do you have bins of stuff in every corner of your house and do you have a responsibility to those who suffer and does the way you spend your money matter?

You can see why I hated these new tenants.”

Yes, I’m starting here.  Because I need to.  We need to get our spending back on track.  It really does matter.

Some of her questions:

What have the residents in your brain always told you about what you own?  It’s okay to be honest.

Do you have any intruders?  If so, what are they asking?

Now me:

If you struggle with guilt and anxiety, you may need someone to hold your hand through this.  If you’re like me, you need someone talking to you about balance and using what we do have for the glory of God and the good of others.  Reminding you you are probably not called to sell everything.  Or loathe what you have.  Or be ungrateful for blessings.

But some of us…

Some of us don’t need that.  Some of us need to hear these hard truths and let them sink in. 

I don’t assume to know anything about what you need.  I know when I look at people in my life and the response to needs for our group’s outreach, I see so much generosity.  I can’t think of all the different ways people I know are using their money, their homes, their possessions to contribute to God’s kingdom.

I’m not angry. 

I’m compelled.

I think there’s more here for us.

How are you doing?