Best of Both Worlds?
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Deuteronomy 6:4-6 NKJV
Jesus is quoting from Deuteronomy:
"Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one! You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.
"And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.
1 John 2:15-17 RSV
15. Do not love the world or the things in the world. If any one loves the world, love for the Father is not in him. 16. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the pride of life, is not of the Father but is of the world. 17. And the world passes away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides for ever.
I may have mentioned that I receive several subscription e-mails daily. Most of them are on issues of faith, spirituality, seeking. I received one today that contained an article that caused me to pause and think about whether or not I was being too hasty, too judgmental in my initial reaction. (I am self-aware enough to know that I shoot from the hip on a regular basis--it is an on-going “growth area” for me!) As I read this article about “Metrospirituality” I was on the one hand very troubled, and on the other sad.
This phrase was used to categorize those individuals--“famous” and otherwise--who are turning to organic foods, deliciously infused candles and other aromatherapy, statuary and other art of various gods, even furniture that is ergonomic yet attractive, and basically inspired to be earth-friendly, people-friendly, feel-good indulgences -- and very expensive! There is certainly nothing wrong, in and of themselves, with these practices or the lifestyle adopted by people who are seeking comfort, peace and serenity in their lives. I’ve been known to frequent Good Foods Grocery myself. And I certainly try to do what I can to recycle, reuse and otherwise be a responsible earth-dweller!
What concerned me about this new trend/lifestyle is that I had the distinct feeling that these individuals are “loving the things of this world” without acknowledging their source. There was not discussion of Jesus or even of God in this article. These folks are seeking a comfortable, secure, pretty, appealing life in the here and now. This self-comforting, self-indulging lifestyle is not so disturbing to those living it because they are also responsible citizens (except for the tremendous wealth they use to support this lifestyle). Again, nothing wrong with being wealthy -- I’d love to try it!
I look though, to individuals like Rick Warren whose book made millions of dollars. What did he do? He paid back the salary his church had paid him for the past 20+ years, set up a foundation for various charities, and began “reverse tithing.” That is, he now lives on 10% of his income and give 90% away. Crazy? Maybe. But so was Jesus thought to be! Mother Theresa was probably thought mad as well - she was born into a wealthy family and walked away from it all to live on the streets of India with the sick and the dying. Let’s go back even farther -- Isaiah the prophet -- he was born into an extremely wealthy family. He could have had anything he wanted in life. What did he choose? The life of an outcast, scorned and persecuted because of his obedience to the calling God put upon his heart.
No talk of creature comforts in the bible. In fact Jesus tells us to give it all away -- better -- sell it to the wealthy and use the money for good. It sounds pretty crazy! But let me tell you something from my real life: Our church is beginning 3-year capital campaign. My husband and I have been giving faithfully, on a weekly basis, what we feel is a sacrificial amount of money for our “regular” operating budget. We prayerfully arrived at an additional sum to donate towards this capital campaign. Since we’ve made our pledge, both my husband and I have been told of (near) future opportunities for increased income with our current employers. Coincidence? I don’t think so. Will it actually happen? Probably. But that’s not the point! We both take it as a sign that we have done the right thing. Such a small thing, though, in light of all the need in the world.
My prayer today is that you spend your time, your money, your prayers, and your life in spreading the good news of what awaits us in the next world. And that you work with me to figure out a way to have the best of both worlds without shortchanging the one to come!
Mary
