Just Right

By Cal Cook

A few years ago at a previous church the Superintendent of the local school dressed up like a bum one Sunday and walked into the sanctuary for the service. There were lots of whispers but he was greeted by those around him and told they were glad he was there…pretty good response I would say! I wonder how that would work in our church? My hope is for similar results…yet I’m not so certain.

I don’t know what it is that causes us to treat people differently based solely on how they look. Do we think they are going to tip us or something when they look like they’re rich? Do we think a person’s wealth makes them more generous…or maybe a better friend? Studies have actually shown that the greater wealth someone has the less of a percentage they actually give to charity. What’s even worse is a recent study by The Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University showed that the organizations aimed at poverty actually receive the least amount of giving. Of gifts over $10 Million 63% of it went to private colleges! It appears that those with the money only want to give to other people with the money…kind of self defeating isn’t it…or self sustaining.

Scripture warns us over again about the allure of wealth. Many hear the words and they are confused. They say things like “I know money is the root of all evil” when really it is “The love of money” 1 Timothy 6:10 why do they get it wrong? Over and over again I hear that passage misquoted. Is it a desire to prove the Word of God as extreme and in the doing provide an excuse for not following it? Even the handpicked Disciples of Jesus saw it as hard and confusing.

Mark 10:25-26

In fact, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God!” The disciples were astounded. “Then who in the world can be saved?” they asked. (NLT)

When will we get over seeing wealth as a deciding factor for good and evil? Wealth doesn’t make you good and wealth doesn’t make you evil…it makes you wealthy! Certainly though as scripture attests, wealth can lead you astray. Too much and you are consumed by it, too little and you are consumed by it. It seems like Goldie Locks was right…the best sleep is found in the middle!