Current Events Monday: How much is too much?
You likely hear it often—the charge that Americans are too materialistic and have too many possessions. Although there seems to be some judgmentalism afoot in leveling such charges, a modicum of truth can be observed. The United States is the richest nation in the world, with a nearly $20.5 trillion GDP. But if you start examining world finances with a keener eye to detail, then you’ll find that the U.S. is far down the list of countries with the highest GDP per capita. In fact, we didn’t even make the top five, with Qatar and Luxemburg taking top honors this year.
I don’t know about you, but I hear little about the “inherent greed” and “crushing materialism” of people in Luxemburg like I do in America, so some (if not most) of the vitriol about American materialism likely comes from those with mainly political motives. Nonetheless, an examination of our possessions proves an honorable task and one that might be more convicting than comforting. Consider, for example, some possessions that were recently found among two homes in Albuquerque, New Mexico–which included 17 rifles, drugs, an alligator, and a tiger. We can reasonably say that is too much.
See the article here: Alligator, 17 guns, drugs and cash seized during New Mexico arrest — but tiger is missing – CBS News
At the risk therefore of some discomfort, let’s talk about possessions for the Christian. How much is too much?
Jesus and material possessions
Jesus lived simply. The biblical record indicates that Jesus had “nowhere to lay his head” (Luke 9:58), meaning that he opted for following completely the will of God even if that meant going without a permanent home. He was trusting fully the care and provision of his Father. Jesus also taught selfless giving. Consider his conversation with a wealthy man in which the Lord said, “Sell everything you have and give it to the poor” (Luke 18:22). Another particularly noteworthy event occurred when Jesus sent demons into pigs (Matthew 8:28-34), essentially wrecking the basic economic interests for Garadene farmers and ranchers. They swiftly gave Jesus the boot from their territory. And then there was the time when Jesus argued with some religious legalists about paying taxes. Jesus seemed indifferent to the political games of his time and refused to be entrapped.
Yet, Jesus also recognized the importance of material things. In Luke 8, we learn that many women essentially bankrolled Jesus’ ministry, among whom were Mary Magdalene, Joanna (who had strong ties to Herod), and one named Susanna (Luke 8:2-3). Unlike the ascetic Christians who would form in the Third Century and renounce all possessions, Jesus’ life indicates that it is perfectly fine for a believer to own basic necessities, have a bank account, and even save for things like retirement. The Bible also clearly illustrates that people in the early church owned private property, since many of them gave their possessions to those in need. There seemed to be a tremendous spirit of sharing in the First Century church.
So, what?
If it is ok for us to own possessions and earn income, how then shall we live? How much is too much? Based on Jesus’ ministry and teachings, let’s consider the following questions. You can utilize these questions in order to make up your own mind concerning how much is too much.
Question 1: Are my possessions being held in selfish isolation? In other words, our possessions ought to be used for their intended purpose in making sure that we love God with heart, soul, mind, and strength, and love our neighbors as ourselves. For instance, if we just use a BBQ grill to cook for ourselves alone, then what good is the grill? That which is intended to make food (and LOTS of it) may also be utilized for sharing food. It is in giving that we receive.
Question 2: Am I seeking to gain possessions to fill a spiritual void in my soul? The richest blessings in life seem to be ones that do not necessarily come with a price tag. There are some things that we can truly gain for ourselves alone, but they come to us by the direct hand of God. These blessings include our family, dear friends, and even our salvation by grace through faith. Yet, some people can become addicted to gain for themselves as an attempt to find lasting joy. The good, however, that may come from those materials to which we so desperately cling can quickly turn evil when these become our exclusive possessions.
Question 3: Am I attempting to monopolize my possessions? Surely the best blessings come to us when tie our possessions to our human connections.