Posted on 11/07/2019 6:53:51 AM PST by SeekAndFind
What are the social responsibilities of wealthy Christians? Must they prove their loyalty to the Lord by selling their possessions and giving to the poor? Are there simple, universal answers to these questions, or are these questions that must be answered personally and individually?
Some of these issues were raised decades ago in Ronald Sider’s classic work Rich Christians in an Age of Hunger, originally published in 1978. With many of us in the West having so much and many in other countries having so little, what would Jesus ask of us?
David Chilton took exception to Sider’s approach, writing, Productive Christians in an Age of Guilt Manipulators: A Biblical Response to Ronald J. Sider in 1981. In Chilton’s view, Sider’s view violated the productive principles of biblical economics.
Now, in our day, “Red Letter Christian” leader Shane Claiborne has asked whether Jesus is King of Kanye West’s bank account. He writes, “The same Jesus who said we need to be ‘born again’ also commanded his disciples to ‘sell everything and give it to the poor.’ This is the one who said it is easier to fit a camel through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.”
Is Clairborne right?
First, Jesus requires all of us to surrender everything to Him if we want to be His disciples. As He said to the large crowds that followed Him, “. . . those of you who do not give up everything you have cannot be my disciples” (Luke 14:33).
In context, He didn’t simply mean every possession. He meant everything — our wills, our desires, our relationships, everything.
That is discipleship 101. Being born again means that Jesus is Lord of our entire lives.
Second, Jesus called one particular rich young ruler to sell his possessions and give to the poor. But that was not because his wealth was sinful in itself. Rather, it was to expose his covetous heart. In order to really follow Jesus, this man would need to break the power of materialism and greed. He was not willing. (See Mark 10:17-31.)
On the other hand, when Zacchaeus the tax collector encountered Jesus, he immediately repented, pledging to give half his money to the poor. And, if he had defrauded anyone, he would pay him back fourfold. (See Luke 19:1-10.)
And note that Jesus rejoiced in this act, recognizing the reality of Zacchaeus’s conversion. He did not say, “That’s not good enough! You need to give away all your wealth!”
Each heart and each case is different. (For Jesus’ words to His twelve disciples, see Luke 12:32-34.)
Third, the Bible consistently warns against putting our trust in earthly riches. As Proverbs states, “Do not wear yourself out to get rich; do not trust your own cleverness. Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone, for they will surely sprout wings and fly off to the sky like an eagle.” (Proverbs 23:4-5; see also Matthew 6:19-26.)
Fourth, the Scriptures warn even more strongly against using the Gospel as a means for acquiring wealth, noting that “the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil” (1 Timothy 6:10). That’s why Paul spoke of “people of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain” (1 Timothy 6:7).
Those are strong words.
Fifth, both the Old and New Testaments emphasize the importance of hard work and good stewardship. The Scriptures teach that we reap what we sow and that the generous, not the stingy, will be blessed.
The promises to the generous are clear and undeniable. (See, for example, 2 Corinthians 9:6-11.)
Sixth, Paul gave clear instructions to rich Christians, not condemning them or making them feel guilty but rather commanding them to live with an eternal perspective.
He wrote to Timothy, “Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life” (1 Timothy 6:17–19).
Rich Christians have helped fund the Gospel around the world as well as helped lead the way in meeting the needs of the poor and hurting. And many of them are rich because of the blessing of God.
But, as Paul urged, they must not be arrogant. They must not put their trust in earthly wealth. And they must be generous in giving and rich in good deeds.
At the same time, what they do and how they do it might not be known to the general public. And it’s also possible that God will call them to maintain their same lifestyle as believers, living in a wealthy community and hobnobbing with the rich and influential. This is their mission field, and Jesus died for these people too.
And this means that it’s not for us to sit and judge by mere outward appearance, since often we don’t know what’s going on in the heart.
Instead, let’s pray for those who are wealthy not to get caught up with the things of this age so they lose sight of eternal principles. Instead, empowered by those eternal principles, may they use their wealthy for the glory of God.
And should the Lord — their Lord — tell them to sell everything and give to the poor, wonderful.
But should He tell them to keep much of their wealth and invest it to make more money so they will have much more to give away, that’s wonderful too.
Rich Christians, just like poor Christians, give account God, not to you or to me (Romans 14:4).
Dr. Michael Brown (www.askdrbrown.org) is the host of the nationally syndicated Line of Fire radio program.
When you have worked hard and are blessed with money, you are truly a gift, for you can give money to good causes. It is not a shame; it is a gift to others. Andrew Carnegie built libraries all over the country. Dorothy Chandler built the City of Los Angeles a wonderful performing arts center. etc. There is no end of good you can do with ‘extra’ money. (and vice versa - look at the evil George Soros is doing with his).
I do not believe Christians have to give away all their money. That’s rediculous!
I was answering to the point where these Christian preachers should give up their wealth and I simply replied that the Vatican should start first. And it is not called “Sneering”
If he gave away all of his money, then the people who work for him would be out of a job. I guess they would have to go on welfare.
Thank you for the evasive non-answer. Vatican had nothing to do with the article or the publication. Why do you even bring it up? Your comment was, at best, pure nonsense. It reflects very badly on you. Direct your sneering at the author and the publication, not at uninvolved third parties.
These folks should guilt trip LIBERAL millionaires... Our side feels people who earn their money have a right to spend it like they want to...
So nu?
Okay. The reply was to the article. Period.
OTOH Kanye should do EXACTLY what God tells him to do. What if God tells him to invest his money to make more for a future project God has in mind? These "legalistic" Christians might insist that Kanye really isn't saved because he won't do what they think he should do and even quote verses out of context like Satan did to Jesus in the Wilderness.
Building a personal relationship with God is the way to get the right answer for any question Kanye might have. If Kanye is too selfish with his money, God will show him and even might remove some of his money to show him God owns it all. The question as always is are you really getting ideas from God or is it just you? Kanye may feel like God is leading him to open a church, but God may want him to donate to other churches. He may also want Kanye to support political candidates to further God's Kingdom. For others to judge him on what God is telling him to do because it's not what you think he should do is demonic.
This particular topic came up in my men’s group just last night. It went around the group and all of the usual points were made , 10% of your gross to be given to the church no matter what ....with the implication that God will reward your tithe in some manner . This to me raised an eyebrow . I do not give my money away expecting a “deal” with God , the money I receive is from God anyway , so I give cash when the situation presents itself and I give because it is right (in my view at that time)and if I get it back that’s great...otherwise it is a gift . Love is not a business and if your church is run by God fearing people it will prosper and grow exactly how God wants . To me a tithe can be tied into supporting monetarily your aging parents , offering your services as a volunteer for NO gain (I am a builder/plumber/electrical/full property maintenance) and because of my profession I can help many with the talents and knowledge God has presented me with . The idea of giving al of your wealth away to me seems counter to Gods teachings and written word . If you are in a position to stand on a soap box and spread the name of our saviour to those that would not normally seek his grace then I feel that is Gods intention for Kanye . To me their is no exact monetized perfect formula for this topic and to think that there is I believe is foolhardy . God knows exactly what he is doing and he knows the outcome ....granted their will be a few variables as we sinners will allow pride and loss of humility get in our own way . Praise and glory to God , Jesus and the helper , without his love and light the darkness that abounds would consume us all . Thank you for loving me God and the peace that it brings.
No he should not give away all his money!!!!!
Maybe liberal Christians groups should give away their money and disband...
Communists are absolutely Satanic.
WE KNOW BEST how to spend your money, run your life, never leave you the F* alone.
What if God tells you to give all of it away? Are you denying that He could give it all back and more? Read Job. The trick is to listen carefully to God and obey. Don't make statements like you know what God wants from someone else. My pastor was told to sell everything and build a church. They did and have been richly rewarded over the years. He had a stroke and died, but she is 91 yo and in good health. God may tell you something that He knows will not sound smart to you, but He has your welfare at heart. The trick is we always feel we have God's welfare at heart instead of the other way around. Some Christians feel they would be a great pastor of a megachurch while God is telling them daily to be an usher. This is why we have 150 churches in town with 12 people each.
[Jumping into your discussion with “Seek and Find”]
He asked you, in the first place, for specifics for your assertion that the question was “ludicrous”. Your answers have not been specific, but general and without meaning without some explanation. I find your responses evasive (not that I have any authority to make a judgement like that!), but I would appreciate some real specifics to round out your responses.
Yeah, I’m the FReeper that thinks this a bunch of BS, or he’s more certifiable than ever.
I despise Kanye and his entire Kardashain Whore Klan. I’m not saying God can’t save him or any of them. I’m saying until this man who is SUCH a public figure, and HAS BEEN such a PERVERTED public figure, makes some kind of big move nobody should be buying his crap sandwich.
His money? What if he started by dumping every cent he made from lyrics that perverted and destroyed minds and hearts of young men and women?
HAS he even apologized? Has he humbled himself? No he has not. Not one bit. What? Are churches and Christian writers hoping to catch some of his bread crumbs that he loves to sing about spreading around?
Is he saving people without pulling every damn copy of every fifthly song he’s sung or been part of from every damn shelf and downloadable venue? Or is he still getting royalties from perversion like these?
Nope - here they are on Amazon.
https://www.amazon.com/Monster-Kanye-West/s?k=Monster+Kanye+West
And THESE aren’t even the worst.
https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/hip-hop/7503613/kanye-west-top-10-most-nsfw-lyrics-yeezus
“Hell of a Life” (My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy)
“Make her knees shake, make a priest faint/ Make a nun come, make her cremate”
This man made a pun that ties cremation to a nun’s orgasm. W-T-F. (Again, not even the nastiest bars on this track).
Don’t Like (Cruel Summer)
“In that p-—y so deep I could have drowned twice/ Rose gold Jesus piece with the brown ice/ Eating good, vegetarian with the brown rice/ Girls kissing girls, cause it’s hot, right?/ But unless they use a strap-on then they not dykes”
Drowning in genitalia, Jesus, lesbians, sex toys — this verse has it all. It also makes one wonder just how many lesbians Kanye has actually met, considering his litmus test for their homosexuality is whether or not they enjoy using fake penises.
“Drunk in Love (Remix)” (Beyonce (More Only))
“Woo! You will never need another lover/ Woo! Cause you a milf and I’m a motherf—ker/ Told you give the drummer some, now the drummer comin’/ I’m pa rum pa pum pumin’ all on your stomach”
Kanye directs his seed — in a different direction this time — to the beat of the “Little Drummer Boy.” This is a God Dream.
“Monster” (My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy)
“So mommy, best advice is just to get on top of this/ Have you ever had sex with a pharaoh?/ Put the p-—y in a sarcophagus/ Now she claiming that I bruised her esophagus/ Head of the class and she just won a swallowship/ I’m living in the future so the present is my past/ My presence is a present, kiss my ass”
Nicki Minaj badly shows up Kanye with her fierce verse on this MBDTF track, but these bars, which reference violent oral sex, aggressive narcissism, and Egyptian burial rites, may have overshadowed it by sheer ignorance.
I tend to view skeptically anyone with advice for others on running their lives.
Oh, oh! I see, after posting, that my note went to “Seek and Find.” I meant to address “ifinnegin” with whom “Seek and Find” was carrying on this conversation.
So, “ifinnegin”, please take note!
I think you forgot to include him in your response :)
How about, if Hugh Hefner declared “Jesus is king” and had an alter call with a thousand people, but then he went home to the Playboy Mansion, would you believe him?
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