Prefatory Note:
The purpose of this blogpost is to explore how we as followers of Christ should choose to approach the contrast between need and plenty in a world where financial middle ground continues to steadily dissipate.
Throughout Church history, there has stood much discussion as to the correct disposition and attitude towards earthly wealth. Such views originated from Christ's teachings, namely that of seeking first the kingdom of God and its righteousness, and not worrying about daily necessities, as they will be added unto you. Examining Jesus' life from the Gospels, it was clear that He did not live as one in the upper class, as neither did the Apostle Paul, who wrote in his first epistle to the Church in Corinth: "follow me as I follow Christ.” Yet when looking at these examples, it surely could not be correct to draw a conclusion that financial carelessness is the proper Biblical approach to living in this temporary world. Buried across a vast domain of scripture, we see the theme of stewardship arise over and over, from the lives of Abraham and Joseph in Genesis, to Job and King Solomon in later books, and even the characters in some Jesus' parables in the Gospels. Furthermore, the Apostle Paul even worked a job as a tent-maker in order to finance his ministry, choosing not to make use of his ability to profit from the Gospel but rather support himself as best as he could.
Therefore, when examining these two sides, it appears that balance (another common Biblical theme) is the correct approach. In a precise way, Agur writes in the book of Proverbs:
“Two things I ask of you, Lord;
do not refuse me before I die:
Keep falsehood and lies far from me;
give me neither poverty nor riches,
but give me only my daily bread.
Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you
and say, ‘Who is the Lord?’
Or I may become poor and steal,
and so dishonor the name of my God.”
The Apostle Paul encourages the church of Philippi in a similar fashion, writing:
"…I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.
I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty.
I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.
I can do all this through him [(Christ)] who gives me strength.”
It seems safe to say that there is something of a "sweet-spot" to this matter; one marked neither by poverty, nor by excess. However, looking at the world today, we see how this focal point which we have labeled the "middle-class" seems to steadily fade as the rift between the elite pinnacle and general populace grows larger following each advancement society makes. This sparks the pressing question: Should we as followers of Jesus Christ place an emphasis on the importance of money as a tool, and become what some refer to as ‘kingdom wealth builders’, or push profit fully aside and possibly be swept into poverty by the natural tide of wealth and power in the system of this fallen world? The question is highly uncomfortable, and really presses into denying one's self and following after Christ.
For this reason, it is highly difficult, if not impossible, to decide on one absolute approach to wealth and poverty. It could very much so be the case that our Heavenly Father, out of His perfect love, designed each one of us for different amounts of earthly possession (echoing Jesus' parable of the talents), with some being called to survive on practically nothing and yet have a great, eternal impact of the lives of many, while for others, God just as graciously granted the resources to make large impact and support their fellow laborers in greater ways through generous love and giving.
Thus, we are ultimately left with a question. Are we as followers of Christ to seek first the kingdom of God and its righteousness and still consider financial wisdom, investment, and stewardship second (or third, or fourth, etc.), or are we rather to seek first the Kingdom of God and its righteousness and totally unconcern ourselves from the material cares of life? While there are many Scriptures that can sway our conclusions back and forth between these points, the only certainty is that this is a predicament upon which we must rely on God alone for discernment.