I do not mean that others should be eased and you burdened, but that as a matter of fairness your abundance at the present time should supply their need, so that their abundance may supply your need, that there may be fairness. As it is written, "Whoever gathered much had nothing left over, and whoever gathered little had no lack." - 2 Corinthians 8:13-15
What does it mean to be rich?
The other day I saw Rob Bell's "Rich" (number #13) in the Nooma series. The example of the rich person was a young American with a beat up car. My friend Duke told me several years back that the average US citizen is part of the richest 2% of all people who have ever lived. We were in Poland and, at the time, everyone was trying to live the materialistic dream of getting as much as you can. The hope we were giving (Jesus) was different than the hope they seemingly desired (our wealth).
The finger is being pointed at me; I am the one with abundance. To someone in a capitalistic society (and doing nicely), this passage can sound like communism. Why is it so hard to share?
One problem is in dealing with those in need. We feel we have earned our money and so those in need should earn theirs and leave us alone.
Wealth is an interesting thing. If Duke's stat is correct, then my wealth has a great deal to do with my birth. Regardless of the sociological causes for my prosperity, the ultimate cause is the Lord; He has made me this way. I haven't been sued for a bajillion dollars and I wasn't born in Bangladesh. My wife and I have had and currently have jobs that are at least a living wage (by US standards) and at most quite prosperous. I tend over-value my role in the wealth that I do have.
The second problem is receiving help when we are in need. We see those asking for help as under-valuing hard work, responsibility, and/or self-discipline. This may be the case, but the absence or presence of these virtues is only part of the answer when it comes to money. If you make enough, you maybe don't have to be as responsible or even work as hard as someone else. Sometimes tragedy strikes and there is nothing we can do to protect our nest egg.
Because I over-value my role in being financially solvent, I often shun help when I need it. That means I am more apt to look down upon or simply problem-solve for those who aren't. In reality, the issues can be deeper than basic money management. God's provision in your hard times may very well be from my gift - helping me to realize that my abundance is from the Lord and it is to be used for His purposes. God's provision in my hard times may very well be from your gift - to the detriment of my pride, but for the betterment of my soul.
