For Richer or Poorer

2. August 2009 by Rose Southwell.

Forward-

As I have moved into my seminary life there are two major things I have noticed about the attitudes of my fellow students.

One- They seemingly hate America, and discuss our waste fullness and “lack of duty to fellow man” all the time. ( I will speak again on this later)

Two- EVERYONE has a cause. …

These two things in combination make for some interesting attitudes about the world we live in. Now first I would like to say that I really like America, and I understand that I am a privileged white female (which in modern times is almost better than the stereo type that goes with white males) who grew up in good conditions with loving parents who made sure that if times were tough, we really didn’t know about it. That being said, I also think that there is a stigma that turns its evil head against those types of situations and people. And I like to play the devil’s advocate with my fellow students to bring that double standard to the forefront.

For Richer or Poorer

            I was at the dinner table one night and my dear friend Drew was going on another one of his rants about how we do not do enough to help the poor and that if people in the ministry would just help and give to them, then poverty would not be nearly the problem that it is. He went on to start bashing the wealthy saying that if They would give just a little of what they have, then that would really help to even out the poor’s economic situation.

            Finley reaching a point where I didn’t want to hear his complaining any longer, and I had a desire to change his mind about the wealthy, explaining that they were not the devil nor completely the only reason that the poor are poor, I spoke up.

“Drew, do you really believe that if people who are wealthy just gave more that would solve the problem”

“Well it couldn’t hurt” he replied

“Is there a certain dollar amount you have in mind or does a percentage work?” I ask him, seeing if he had ever taken his complaining out of the hypothetical.

“ Well I don’t know but if the rich all gave a percentage of what they have, instead of spending it on the wasteful things like another boat or more TV’s or fancy parties then I think a lot more people would be better off!” he said matter of fact.

“Oh you mean people like Bill Gates?” I ask.

“YEA!” He says, “See if someone like him actually helped people out, the world would be a much better place”

“Drew, how much do you know about Bill Gates and his giving?” I ask.  He stared at me.  I continue on, “ Did you know that Bill Gates gives 95% of the money he makes to charity and other organizations? Yes, he can live VERY well on the 5% of his earnings that are left over, but he give a huge percent of his earnings to help others. How much do you think the average person gives? 2%, 5%? I mean we’re taught to give 10% to the church. So what else are we supposed to give over? If we’re not Bill Gates I mean.”

Still in shock he says, “95%? Really? That much to charity?”

“Yes, and most celebrities do the same thing. People who are extremely wealthy are hit up for donations all the time–different organizations, causes, charities. They are Expected to attend functions and donate their money to the orginaztion hosting the event. A lot of wealthy people are just seen for their money, verses who they really are. Kind of like how the poor are seen for their lack of money not for whom they are….” there was a long pause.

“ Ya know Drew” I continued, ”take a minute and look at it from the other side… what does the bible say?”

“ Well, it says that we should help the poor, sell all of our possessions. It does say that it would be difficult for a rich man to get into heaven.”

“Mathew 14? That’s not what it says”

“Yes it is, it would be just as hard for a rich man to enter heaven as it is for a camel to pass though the eye of a needle.”

“Yes, but that’s not what it means… In that same passage Jesus says that it is IMPOSSIBLE for anyone to get into heaven except through him. Also, that is after the man asks what more he can do to please God, aside from following the commandments. … Furthermore, the Eye of a Needle was a crawl space in the side of a city wall, it would be hard but, a camel could do it. It’s hard for anyone to get into heaven, not just the wealthy“

“Well, I guess it does say that. But other scriptures tell us to serve the poor and the widows”

“This is true” I said, “but look at the parable of the talents. The master gives out three sets of money to his workers, one hides it away to save it, one spends it and  multiply it by a small amount, and the last one multiply his termendacely. Who is the master most pleased with?”

“The last one.”  Drew said, Sounding a bit defeated.

“Exactly, the one who multiply the most! Doesn’t the bible also say that we will always have the poor and the widowed? Is it not better to do good works with what you have? ”

“I see your point,” Drew said, “But I still think we are told to help the poor”

“I agree, I’m not telling you not to help those in poverty and to only spend money to make more money. What I’m saying this that don’t Blame the rich, or even deny that the rich need ministry and help too. You were acting like the poor are the only people who need help, and ministry. I understand that the poor are the people you Sheppard to, But I want you to see that the rich also need a Sheppard. They need to be lead, fead, and helped through their troubles as well. You have your flock… I just want you to see there are other flocks out there.”

Drew and I set a few moments in silence…

Although we run across things that we have passion for  and can be advocates for others and their needs. I feel that we sometimes need to look past OUR cause, and see the people and the opportunity that lies within other ministries. The joy is that God calls us to lead and help others… And luckily we are not the only ones called to do the job (because we cannot do it alone). There are many people and many needs in this world, and the Lord will provide the people to minister to everyone. Yet, let us not forget that there are ministries outside of our own.

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