In this series we have looked at the contrast in prosperity between the old and new covenants. Last week we also looked at the prosperity gospel and giving and tithing.
Some believers may prosper and some may not, and those who do need to give generously to those who do not. Those who have plenty should “be generous and willing to share” (1 Tim. 6:17, NIV). Believers are not supposed to just accumulate wealth but rather spread their wealth around in order to even out the differences in congregations in the interest of fairness. This is the idea behind 2 Corinthians 8:14-15: “Your abundance at the present time should supply their need, so that their abundance may supply your need, that there may be fairness. As it is written, “Whoever gathered much had nothing left over, and whoever gathered little had no lack” (ESV).
This was also practiced in full in the Jerusalem church soon after Jesus ascended. “All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need” (Acts 2:44-45, NIV).
This is a practice that is lacking even in milder forms in most congregations. Poorer members are allowed to barely survive and forego basic provisions while the wealthy are never challenged to make serious sacrifices for their fellow brothers and sisters. Sometimes more money is raised to help the poor outside congregations than is raised to help the poor inside congregations. This is not the biblical model. Shouldn’t our compassion for the people we see every week move us to create a different culture within our congregations?
It is not a sin to be wealthy, but making wealth one of your life pursuits is not compatible with Christian maturity. If you are rich maybe Jesus will challenge you to “sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven” (Matt. 19:21, NIV). Our kingdom is not of this world. “Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom?” (James 2:5, NIV). The wealth of this world holds little attraction when our eyes are fixed on the glory and abundance awaiting us in the New Creation.
Let us avoid materialism so as we mature we can join with Paul and say “I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me” (Phil. 4:11-13, ESV).
