The Christian Approach: Unmasking the Illusions
From the previous discussion, it is no wonder that the Bible offers so many warnings about pursuing riches. The Christian vision aims to unmask the illusions.
The Christian approach conveys a deep distrust of a preoccupation with money/possessions. Wealth can fool us into thinking we have control of life. In addition, riches are often gained at the expense of poor people.
The Christian message is that we should be free from slavery to material things. Jesus reminds us that no one can serve two masters.
Americans are challenged today as never before to develop the inner freedom to resist the temptation constantly to seek more.
In the biblical vision, everything belongs first and foremost to God. The right to private ownership is not an absolute right. The accumulation of wealth by a minority of the world’s population betrays the gift of creation.
The early Christian communities practiced a life of sharing quite literally.
Jesus taught that sharing is an obligation for his followers. Just as love cannot be forced out of someone, neither can true sharing of resources. If we give, we should do so freely.
In any direction we look, people are in need. Jesus called his followers to share with their neighbors so that everyone would have enough to live.
A simple life does not imply poverty or starvation. Simplicity means that we live close enough to our resources that we can rely on God’s love for us.
Having enough but not too much Being generous and warmhearted Enjoying the goodness of people instead of fretting about acquiring more possessions. But simple living is not simple to do.
Detachment
Another characteristic of the Christian attitude toward ownership is the notion of the fundamental equality of all person’s in God’s sight.
1) Celebrate the Creator’s gift.
2) Remain free.
3) Share generously and freely.
4) Live simply.