Pope Benedict the 16th openly criticized the pursuit of wealth. This has been a relevant issue, and even more so now in the wake of the global "financial" crisis. It might be a "financial" crisis, but hopefully hearts and minds are going through a faith "renewal" or God "re-commitment."
See the article here:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7654878.stm
Showing posts with label pursuit of money. Show all posts
Showing posts with label pursuit of money. Show all posts
10.06.2008
7.31.2008
anXiety
I have to confess. I am at my wit's end with anxiety. Being driven by fear is horrible. Royally. As a motivator to some sort of action, anxiety I would say would be one of the least desirable things to drive oneself or others. I don't feel like I'm bringing this anxiety on myself. Well, maybe I am not bringing it purposefully, but I sure am not on the stout lookout and providing a solid defense for it.
To explain, I'm living with my parents again for the summer. A lot of their motivations for their actions and habits, in my opinion, are due to fears and anxieties that exist in their lives. I find myself falling into their course of living, not because I want to necessarily adopt their principles or allow anxieties to be a base factor for actions, but mostly because I a) lack the courage to confront them about their anxieties or b) I'm trying to honor them and submit to them in a non-confrontational, non-aggressive manner. They would never admit the extent to which I think fear and anxiety is a part of their lives. Don't get me wrong, a lot of them are perfectly valid anxieties to have in life. Anxieties are going to exist. It'd be near impossible to stamp those out or spend the kind of energy required to do so. I even think a some anxieties in life, at low levels, is a healthy and good thing. But just because you have something in your life, doesn't mean you should let it grow or develop into a viscous beast.
B.O. is like that. We all have it. It's naturally a part of our existence. A little bit is fine. No harm done. Just a reminder it's time for a shower. Left unchecked, it can grow to be something that you, and the people around you, really don't like.
That may be a stupid example, but a better one is that Jesus didn't plug into anxieties. He had every reason to do so. There were plenty available to Him. People wanted to kill Him, stone Him, kill His friends. He could worry about people turning to Him for their salvation. He was dealing with anxieties way beyond our modern day ones "Do we have enough money in the bank?" "Will I be able to afford college?" "Will I find someone to pursue Christ with in a marriage?" "Will the people around me accept me into community?"
Jesus handled all His beautifully. His example is the one to strive for. I would encourage you to read about Jesus and the times He faced potential anxieties. How did He handle them? How'd He react. What'd He do? (hint: prayer)
I still struggle with anxieties and being surrounded by more of them doesn't help. I can't be Jesus when it comes to how I handle anxieties, but I can seek to be like Him. Prayer, which I lack discipline for, is the best thing I think can help.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7 NIV)
To explain, I'm living with my parents again for the summer. A lot of their motivations for their actions and habits, in my opinion, are due to fears and anxieties that exist in their lives. I find myself falling into their course of living, not because I want to necessarily adopt their principles or allow anxieties to be a base factor for actions, but mostly because I a) lack the courage to confront them about their anxieties or b) I'm trying to honor them and submit to them in a non-confrontational, non-aggressive manner. They would never admit the extent to which I think fear and anxiety is a part of their lives. Don't get me wrong, a lot of them are perfectly valid anxieties to have in life. Anxieties are going to exist. It'd be near impossible to stamp those out or spend the kind of energy required to do so. I even think a some anxieties in life, at low levels, is a healthy and good thing. But just because you have something in your life, doesn't mean you should let it grow or develop into a viscous beast.
B.O. is like that. We all have it. It's naturally a part of our existence. A little bit is fine. No harm done. Just a reminder it's time for a shower. Left unchecked, it can grow to be something that you, and the people around you, really don't like.
That may be a stupid example, but a better one is that Jesus didn't plug into anxieties. He had every reason to do so. There were plenty available to Him. People wanted to kill Him, stone Him, kill His friends. He could worry about people turning to Him for their salvation. He was dealing with anxieties way beyond our modern day ones "Do we have enough money in the bank?" "Will I be able to afford college?" "Will I find someone to pursue Christ with in a marriage?" "Will the people around me accept me into community?"
Jesus handled all His beautifully. His example is the one to strive for. I would encourage you to read about Jesus and the times He faced potential anxieties. How did He handle them? How'd He react. What'd He do? (hint: prayer)
I still struggle with anxieties and being surrounded by more of them doesn't help. I can't be Jesus when it comes to how I handle anxieties, but I can seek to be like Him. Prayer, which I lack discipline for, is the best thing I think can help.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7 NIV)
7.19.2008
denying monetary splendor
Then he said to them all: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it. What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit his very self? If anyone is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels. I tell you the truth, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God." (Luke 9:23-27 NIV)
As I wrote in my previous post, I have some ideas about how to incorporate living out ways to deny oneself when it comes to living abundantly for culture's sake, and live abundantly as a result of God's favor and grace upon our lives. These are suggestions to think about and maybe adopt, ways that can provide built in provisions for focusing on Christ and living for Him daily and avoiding the pull and draw to live by what culture tells us we should be doing.
These are not things meant for hardship nor denial of very real and practical dreams to be able to buy a house. The suggestions are meant to push a little bit, so that comfort levels are challenged in a positive and healthy way with the hopeful effect of drawing closer to Christ. These are not ideas meant just for the sake of giving things away and finding favor in doing so. The importance of decisions like this is the heart of the matter. Some people are very disciplined and don't need systems to live by. They are very graceful with their monetary gifts and it's not something that is a struggle in their life. I know myself however, and I know I need a practical system to lay out and then follow, to get in the habit of doing. I suspect there might be others out there in a similar boat. So the ideas:
idea #1
if you are married, and there are two salaried incomes, alternate living off of one income each month. 2 incomes, 2 people, living as 1. Pushing the envelope a bit so that the two are more dependent on being one. Give the other income away as soon as it's paid. The spouse who's income is the "earner" income for the month gets to decide (obviously after united discussion and direction) where or who to give the money to. An aid organization or your church or missionaries overseas or a neighbor in need. There are plenty of places where money can be given to do positive things.
Say Bob and Sue decide to do this. Month #1, they decide to live off Bob's income, Sue gives the total amount of her income for month #1 away as soon as she gets here paycheck, and the couple decides where that money goes together (with Bob's preferences leading the conversation). For month #2, it's time to live off of Sue's income. Bob gives his away as soon as it comes in. They decide together, but this time it's Sue's leading and prompting to where the money goes.
idea #2
if you are single, give away your income every other month. As soon as it comes in. Have one month's income last for two months of expenses. Research aid organizations or missionary groups doing work overseas, local ministries, an area that captures your passions and you have a desire to serve and support. Ya, this may involve looking for coupons or having to cut back on certain expenses. Maybe not upgrade to a new phone until the one you have now breaks. Loans may take longer to pay back, but instead of "well, I'll be fruitful when I become financially sound" it's important to adopt principles and habits of focusing not on money and wealth acquisition, but rather seeing money as an incredible opportunity to serve others.
idea #3
if you have a job that allows it, work as long as it takes in a month to earn 110% of your expenses for the month. This after sitting down and looking at realistic (erring on the side of not spending as much) expense outlays for the month. If you have, say, $2000 in expenses for a month, earn $2200 for the month, and then take the rest of the month off to go and serve people in the community or at your church or go and love on your wife extra (if you are blessed to have one). This idea would be harder to do obviously because most jobs wouldn't allow for this type of set-up.
These ideas may sound crazy and somewhat radical, but are they really?
How much is enough?
Is it crazy to adopt an operational living mindset such as the ones mentioned or something different from those where you intentionally build into your life a system where in effect, you are denying yourself and culture's way to live, and not seeking that "all-important" acquisition of wealth?
One can live, and live very well with not much money. There are billions of people who exist on less than two dollars a day. We earn more than $60 a month. We earn more than that in a day. Some earn more than $60 an hour. Sitting down, budgeting, and planning out finances and expenses can go a long way towards being intentional about living for God 1st and not falling into the trap of culture's goals for our finances and pursuit of wealth.
My point is that we can examine ourselves and our finances to push ourselves to where we are intentionally seeking more of God and denying the easy temptation to pursue earthly riches. Having a crafted and thought out system to follow and be disciplined with helps immensely.
As I wrote in my previous post, I have some ideas about how to incorporate living out ways to deny oneself when it comes to living abundantly for culture's sake, and live abundantly as a result of God's favor and grace upon our lives. These are suggestions to think about and maybe adopt, ways that can provide built in provisions for focusing on Christ and living for Him daily and avoiding the pull and draw to live by what culture tells us we should be doing.
These are not things meant for hardship nor denial of very real and practical dreams to be able to buy a house. The suggestions are meant to push a little bit, so that comfort levels are challenged in a positive and healthy way with the hopeful effect of drawing closer to Christ. These are not ideas meant just for the sake of giving things away and finding favor in doing so. The importance of decisions like this is the heart of the matter. Some people are very disciplined and don't need systems to live by. They are very graceful with their monetary gifts and it's not something that is a struggle in their life. I know myself however, and I know I need a practical system to lay out and then follow, to get in the habit of doing. I suspect there might be others out there in a similar boat. So the ideas:
idea #1
if you are married, and there are two salaried incomes, alternate living off of one income each month. 2 incomes, 2 people, living as 1. Pushing the envelope a bit so that the two are more dependent on being one. Give the other income away as soon as it's paid. The spouse who's income is the "earner" income for the month gets to decide (obviously after united discussion and direction) where or who to give the money to. An aid organization or your church or missionaries overseas or a neighbor in need. There are plenty of places where money can be given to do positive things.
Say Bob and Sue decide to do this. Month #1, they decide to live off Bob's income, Sue gives the total amount of her income for month #1 away as soon as she gets here paycheck, and the couple decides where that money goes together (with Bob's preferences leading the conversation). For month #2, it's time to live off of Sue's income. Bob gives his away as soon as it comes in. They decide together, but this time it's Sue's leading and prompting to where the money goes.
idea #2
if you are single, give away your income every other month. As soon as it comes in. Have one month's income last for two months of expenses. Research aid organizations or missionary groups doing work overseas, local ministries, an area that captures your passions and you have a desire to serve and support. Ya, this may involve looking for coupons or having to cut back on certain expenses. Maybe not upgrade to a new phone until the one you have now breaks. Loans may take longer to pay back, but instead of "well, I'll be fruitful when I become financially sound" it's important to adopt principles and habits of focusing not on money and wealth acquisition, but rather seeing money as an incredible opportunity to serve others.
idea #3
if you have a job that allows it, work as long as it takes in a month to earn 110% of your expenses for the month. This after sitting down and looking at realistic (erring on the side of not spending as much) expense outlays for the month. If you have, say, $2000 in expenses for a month, earn $2200 for the month, and then take the rest of the month off to go and serve people in the community or at your church or go and love on your wife extra (if you are blessed to have one). This idea would be harder to do obviously because most jobs wouldn't allow for this type of set-up.
These ideas may sound crazy and somewhat radical, but are they really?
How much is enough?
Is it crazy to adopt an operational living mindset such as the ones mentioned or something different from those where you intentionally build into your life a system where in effect, you are denying yourself and culture's way to live, and not seeking that "all-important" acquisition of wealth?
One can live, and live very well with not much money. There are billions of people who exist on less than two dollars a day. We earn more than $60 a month. We earn more than that in a day. Some earn more than $60 an hour. Sitting down, budgeting, and planning out finances and expenses can go a long way towards being intentional about living for God 1st and not falling into the trap of culture's goals for our finances and pursuit of wealth.
My point is that we can examine ourselves and our finances to push ourselves to where we are intentionally seeking more of God and denying the easy temptation to pursue earthly riches. Having a crafted and thought out system to follow and be disciplined with helps immensely.
7.15.2008
monetary splendor
"I tell you the truth," Jesus replied, "no one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for me and the gospel will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this present age (homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children and fields—and with them, persecutions) and in the age to come, eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and the last first."
(Mark 10:29-31 NIV)
These words from Jesus spoken to his disciples come right after the encounter Jesus has with the rich young ruler. This young wealthy man goes away heartbroken at Jesus' request to go and sell all he has and give it to the poor. It wasn't the act itself I don't think that troubled the young ruler, it was Jesus' request to radically change his life's outlook and what his identity was about that discouraged the young ruler so much. This man had amassed wealth and was used to his time and focus being spent pursuing capital gains. This young man was familiar with a center point to pursue money. I can imagine his relationships, friendships, times of worship, even while faithful and honoring (as the Bible states), fit into, and were pocketed around this greater pursuit: money.
Hmm. I think the connection to nowadays and this rich young ruler is easy to make. I know I am guilty of this. Our lives are oriented such that our schedules revolve around work. Think about if you heard about some guy who's primary focus in life was relationships. This hypothetical guy isn't necessary a slouch, but very much values relationships over monetary pursuits. "Umm, ya, sorry bossman, I know I've missed 45 days this year already, but I'm not going to come in Wednesday or Thursday, one friend is ill and another is going through some difficult struggles in his marriage, so I am going to go and serve them and love on them." This "radical" guy wouldn't have a job long in our culture.
Jesus, in His words of this passage, starts by saying "I tell you the truth." I think that's enough right there to stop and really listen to what will come next. He says, leave all those things culture places a value upon and PURSUE ME. PURSUE WHAT I HAVE FOR YOU. Don't spend your life, the wonderful gifts and talents I have gifted you with, to pursue such a false idol - money.
Whoa there now Mr. crazy blog writer. At the very least, you need money to buy food and clothes and provide shelter for a family, that's how our world works! Duly noted. Money is a necessary evil to live in the world we live in today. But, I want to make the point that there seems to be an oversaturation of the pursuit of money. In my life, I know, I need a greater pursuit of God, and less reliance on money or the security I think it brings me.
More faithfulness in God, less reliance on money.
Money really is a false sense of security. After all, money is just paper, and it burns up pretty fast. Don't believe me? A good exercise would be to take a dollar bill and just light it on fire. I bet a lot of us would have trouble even just burning up $1. Wealth goes away. Economies fail and go through times of crisis. You could go to sleep one day having a million bucks in the bank, and then wake up the next day and have $10 in the bank. God's sovereignty and faithfulness will outlast any length of time money could offer for sovereignty and faithfulness.
I feel like money in its current form is overrated. Money could just as well be chickens instead of paper. Money attempts to convey power and value in our world. That would leave Warren Buffett to be replaced by Colonel Sanders. If chickens were our money, one's wealth would continue to multiply if chickens were money, a lot of people would like that. But chickens are messier and die much easier and are bulkier to carry, so paper was a better choice for money.
I think we can really believe the promise Jesus gives us in this Mark 10 passage. This "truth" that He intentionally tells us. Leaving what is familiar and known to us in life (our lives set up to pursue monetary gain) to seek Jesus and the gospel will return to us IN THIS PRESENT AGE (before we die), a hundred times more than what we know now. We also get the incredible joy of eternal life!
Please note, I am not advocating anything like, "you put a dollar in to the offering plate, you get 10 back in less than a month!" Jesus' words in this passage refer to the richness and splendor in relationships and life contentment that will come back to one who pursues Christ as their primary pursuit.
Would that be too radical to live out? Trusting in God's faithfulness more, denying money's sense of worth and its much lesser ability to complete and provide for us than what the Holy Living God can give us?
I'm going to end here, to let thoughts saturate and mull over in our minds, and then I'm going to post some suggestions that might serve as practical "how to"s to live this pursuit of God more and money less.
(Mark 10:29-31 NIV)
These words from Jesus spoken to his disciples come right after the encounter Jesus has with the rich young ruler. This young wealthy man goes away heartbroken at Jesus' request to go and sell all he has and give it to the poor. It wasn't the act itself I don't think that troubled the young ruler, it was Jesus' request to radically change his life's outlook and what his identity was about that discouraged the young ruler so much. This man had amassed wealth and was used to his time and focus being spent pursuing capital gains. This young man was familiar with a center point to pursue money. I can imagine his relationships, friendships, times of worship, even while faithful and honoring (as the Bible states), fit into, and were pocketed around this greater pursuit: money.
Hmm. I think the connection to nowadays and this rich young ruler is easy to make. I know I am guilty of this. Our lives are oriented such that our schedules revolve around work. Think about if you heard about some guy who's primary focus in life was relationships. This hypothetical guy isn't necessary a slouch, but very much values relationships over monetary pursuits. "Umm, ya, sorry bossman, I know I've missed 45 days this year already, but I'm not going to come in Wednesday or Thursday, one friend is ill and another is going through some difficult struggles in his marriage, so I am going to go and serve them and love on them." This "radical" guy wouldn't have a job long in our culture.
Jesus, in His words of this passage, starts by saying "I tell you the truth." I think that's enough right there to stop and really listen to what will come next. He says, leave all those things culture places a value upon and PURSUE ME. PURSUE WHAT I HAVE FOR YOU. Don't spend your life, the wonderful gifts and talents I have gifted you with, to pursue such a false idol - money.
Whoa there now Mr. crazy blog writer. At the very least, you need money to buy food and clothes and provide shelter for a family, that's how our world works! Duly noted. Money is a necessary evil to live in the world we live in today. But, I want to make the point that there seems to be an oversaturation of the pursuit of money. In my life, I know, I need a greater pursuit of God, and less reliance on money or the security I think it brings me.
More faithfulness in God, less reliance on money.
Money really is a false sense of security. After all, money is just paper, and it burns up pretty fast. Don't believe me? A good exercise would be to take a dollar bill and just light it on fire. I bet a lot of us would have trouble even just burning up $1. Wealth goes away. Economies fail and go through times of crisis. You could go to sleep one day having a million bucks in the bank, and then wake up the next day and have $10 in the bank. God's sovereignty and faithfulness will outlast any length of time money could offer for sovereignty and faithfulness.
I feel like money in its current form is overrated. Money could just as well be chickens instead of paper. Money attempts to convey power and value in our world. That would leave Warren Buffett to be replaced by Colonel Sanders. If chickens were our money, one's wealth would continue to multiply if chickens were money, a lot of people would like that. But chickens are messier and die much easier and are bulkier to carry, so paper was a better choice for money.
I think we can really believe the promise Jesus gives us in this Mark 10 passage. This "truth" that He intentionally tells us. Leaving what is familiar and known to us in life (our lives set up to pursue monetary gain) to seek Jesus and the gospel will return to us IN THIS PRESENT AGE (before we die), a hundred times more than what we know now. We also get the incredible joy of eternal life!
Please note, I am not advocating anything like, "you put a dollar in to the offering plate, you get 10 back in less than a month!" Jesus' words in this passage refer to the richness and splendor in relationships and life contentment that will come back to one who pursues Christ as their primary pursuit.
Would that be too radical to live out? Trusting in God's faithfulness more, denying money's sense of worth and its much lesser ability to complete and provide for us than what the Holy Living God can give us?
I'm going to end here, to let thoughts saturate and mull over in our minds, and then I'm going to post some suggestions that might serve as practical "how to"s to live this pursuit of God more and money less.
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