2 Corinthians 4:7
By Judy Thompson, Stewardship Ministry Team
When we build on God's generosity to us, a seed is planted and we begin to grow to a place more in line with God's orientation.
A story is told about John D. Rockefeller's younger years. The tycoon was always on-the-go and rarely able to rest. He went from meeting to meeting facing the chance of success or failure each time. Soon it became clear that Rockefeller was putting his very health at stake. Even so, when someone asked him how much success and wealth was enough, Rockefeller would always answer "A little more."
Some Americans have a self-imposed obsession of "keeping up with the Jones." Many psychologists recognize this creates stress. And even though the cure is so simple, we just continue to acquire things. Let's just stop. Admit that no one is keeping score and the winner is not the one with the most toys. Take a deep breath and take a break from accumulating so much stuff. After all, how much is enough?
Sadly, the common thread for both Mr. Rockefeller and the Jones is "I." "I need a little more... I have to keep up." Perhaps some of us do believe it is all about us and what we can do, but scripture points us toward another reality.
If we start with the truth that our power belongs to and comes from God alone, we can begin to realize the accumulation of material goods gives us no additional standing with God or others. When we build on God's generosity to us, a seed is planted, generosity begins to flower in us, and we begin to see material things not as stuff for us to acquire, but as items to be given to those in need-in the same manner that God gives to us! That's the hidden pearl in Paul's comment to the Corinthians. If we can rely on God's generosity to us, we don't need to exert ourselves trying to accumulate or keep up with the Joneses.
Where does our wealth really come from? What kind of investment rates does this produce? If true wealth starts with giving our riches away, what will be your response?
This column is based on ELCA's Salt Seasonings, July 2004.
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." Proverbs 3:5-6
