J17 Why not? I earned this!

Amos was hard on those who had resources, but used them to enjoy luxurious life styles, even to the extent of feasting on the Sabbath. Chapter 6:

"Woe to those who are at ease in Zion, and to those who feel secure...who lie upon beds of ivory, and stretch themselves upon their couches, and eat lambs from the flock, and calves from the midst of the stall...I abhor the pride..."

Chrysostom (1):

"You received the Sabbath to free your soul from wickedness, but you have enslaved it further. For what could be worse than this frivolity, this sleeping on beds of ivory? The other sins, such as drunkenness, greed, and profligacy, provide some pleasure, however small; but in sleeping on beds of ivory, what pleasure is there? What comfort?"

Wealth itself is not condemned here -- indeed, I believe God wants each of us to have ample resources, each to "sit under his own fig tree." God even restored wealth to Job -- one of the most ancient narratives in scripture.

We live in a time of unprecedented prosperity, abundance, and wealth. (2) Global poverty is being reduced at a truly astonishing pace. Recent studies show that Americans in the lowest 60% of income, whether employed or not, have roughly the same standard of living -- a car, air conditioning, a smart phone, cable. But could their lives be bettered? Undoubtedly. Global poverty, while shrinking dramatically (3), is so uneven that millions still struggle with survival.

My wife and I feel called to live beneath our means. It is liberating to do so, and, we believe, consistent with Christ's teaching. We have a term for lavish consumer spending -- we call it "wretched excess." Are there no better uses for wealth? Before any major purchase -- a car, a home, a vacation -- we ask ourselves, how much am I paying for my needs, and how much is for my pride? Is that Ivy really better for my child, than that bible college? If we cut back here and there, can we eke out enough for that aspirational neighborhood?

Many of the patristic fathers identified pride as the father of all other sins. With wealth it is easy to be arrogant, profligate of resources which are not scarce to us but are exceptionally scarce to others. If my pride is more important to me than another's need, I am choosing a bed of ivory.

My prayer today: Lord help me! I have been seduced by luxury, and have become accustomed to it. Open my eyes to the choices I make, and help me see them as less fortunate neighbors do. Give me discernment as I allocate my personal wealth. Wealth you have entrusted to me, to steward. Help me share more, and be more thoughtful of need around me.

(1) "Homilies on Lazarus and the rich man 1," IVP Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture, OT volume xiv, Ferreiro, Ed.

(2) Moore, S., & Simon, J>, "It's getting better all the time," Cato, 2000

(3) Rosling, Hans, "Factfulness," Flatiron Books, 2018

11/16/2018, 8/30/2024