“A genuinely impossible ideal would be to do what so many, including Christians, in wealthy cultures do: practice piling up wealth and extravagant possession while at the same time claiming to give as generously to the needy as they “can”; and, for that matter, to live extravagantly while at the same time not being affected by such spending choices in their “hearts” [cf. Matthew 6:19-24]. Jesus’ teaching is far more realistic; invest your possessions generously in God’s reign of justice and mercy and you will find your heart invested there as well…
Disciples do not live simply and give generously in order to be counted worthy of being disciples. Instead, because they are disciples of Jesus and are invested in his eschatological project it naturally follows that they reorient their lives in every area, including economic life. This claim fits with the theme that kingdom ethics is grace-based, rooted in an invitation to participate in the inbreaking of God’s reign through Jesus Christ. Disciples are those who believe the story of Jesus the Messiah, enter it, and live accordingly.”
David P. Gushee in “The Economic Ethics of Jesus” in Faithful Economics: The Moral Worlds of a Neutral Science, ed. James W. Henderson and John Pisciotta (Waco: Baylor University Press, 2005) 122.
Don’t miss the heart of Gushee’s comment: piling up wealth and giving as you “can” is not an option for Jesus. It reflects an attempt to serve both God and mammon, and according to Jesus: it is not possible.
Obedience to Jesus with regard to the handling of money requires a reorientation of our economic lives. We no longer work to pile up treasures, buy extravagant possessions, and give as we “can” to the needy.
We live like we believe the gospel is true. As disciples of Jesus, who have received all we have because of God’s grace, we become conduits of material and spiritual blessing through living simply and giving generously.
Today, for us, it means we shop on Black Friday. We don’t do it, however, for the the intoxicating consumerism.
Jenni and Sophie, my wife and daughter, will get things we planned to purchase at some point for reduced prices (cf. Proverbs 31:10-31). This means that we will have more money for Giving Tuesday. Sammy will chill at home with Joy, our dog.
Meanwhile, Tom Assmus, my good friend and prayer partner, and I will get coffee and then visit Home Depot around 6am to buy poinsettias (at 99 cents each) to share with friends, widows, and neighbors to celebrate the Christmas season.
As we approach this time of year, if you have not already done so, reorient your economic life, as Gushee concludes: “Disciples are those who believe the story of Jesus the Messiah, enter it, and live accordingly.”