Proclaiming Christ ... For His Glory ... For Your Good

A Christian Response

My concern is growing.  A disturbing cultural division exists.  Unfortunately, this is no new problem.  It has been around for generations, and no permanent solution has been found.  What is my concern?  It is the division between the wealthy and the poor.

Don’t get me wrong; I know that we will always have the poor among us.  Jesus clearly taught this in the Gospels.  The problem isn’t the reality of economic diversity.  The problem arises when we view this diversity inappropriately.

Public officials use this reality to incite envy and discontentment among the poorer classes (and even among the blue collar) in order to raise support for campaigns and socialistic programs.  As a result of this approach, we have seen America become the land of entitlement.  Should we continue down this road, we will pay a dear price as we accumulate for ourselves more entitlements with fewer responsibilities.  We are shifting our personal responsibilities to the government.

So what is the Christian response to this disturbing division?  First, we must recognize that the wealthy have the Biblical responsibility to be generous and compassionate (1 Tim. 6:17-19).  They should see what they have as a gift of God.  They should not set out to feed a greedy heart and withhold what is due to those who work for them.  However, there is no need to repent for the wealth they gain honestly.  Second, we must recognize the responsibility of the poor.  Work is expected of every able bodied man.  If he (the able bodied man) is unwilling to work and support his family he is worse than an unbeliever (1 Tim. 5:8).  The poor should not look at the material possessions and bank accounts of the wealthy as the answer to their challenges.  Ultimately, the poor are just as responsible to trust God for provision as the wealthy.  Third, the church must take the lead and minister Biblically.  We come together and support one another while striving to see lives changed eternally in our community.  This includes encouraging the wealthy and the poor.

We must protect ourselves.  The rich must protect against greed and arrogance.  The poor must protect against envy and irresponsibility.  The Christian must protect against the error of ‘playing’ to either side, what the Bible classifies as being a ‘respecter of persons’.

The Bible teaches us to call all men to repentance, all men to charitable concern, all men to a Biblical work ethic.  Thank God for what your neighbor has.  Thank God for what you have.  Look out for the needs of others.  Look to God and take responsibility.

Doug Richey, Pastor

Copyright 2008, Doug Richey

112 Pisgah Drive, Excelsior Springs, MO 64024, USA

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