Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will never fail, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. Luke 12:33
“But you also oppose Scripture, seeing it expressly cries “Seek first the kingdom of heaven, and all these things shall be added unto you.” But if all things have been conferred on you, and all things allowed you, and “if all things are lawful, yet all things are not expedient,” says the apostle. God brought our race into communion by first imparting what was His own, when He gave His own Word, common to all, and made all things for all.
All things therefore are common, and not for the rich to appropriate an undue share. That expression, therefore, “I possess, and possess in abundance: why then should I not enjoy?” is suitable neither to the man, nor to society. But more worthy of love is that: “I have: why should I not give to those who need?” For such an one–one who fulfils the command, “Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself”–is perfect. For this is the true luxury–the treasured wealth.
But that which is squandered on foolish lusts is to be reckoned waste, not expenditure. For God has given to us, I know well, the liberty of use, but only so far as necessary; and He has determined that the use should be common. And it is monstrous for one to live in luxury, while many are in want. How much more glorious is it to do good to many, than to live sumptuously! How much wiser to spend money on human being, than on jewels and gold! How much more useful to acquire decorous friends, than lifeless ornaments!
Whom have lands ever benefited so much as conferring favours has? It remains for us, therefore, to do away with this allegation: Who, then, will have the more sumptuous things, if all select the simpler? Men, I would say, if they make use of them impartially and indifferently. But if it be impossible for all to exercise self-restraint, yet, with a view to the use of what is necessary, we must seek after what can be most readily procured, bidding a long farewell to these superfluities.”
Clement of Alexandria in Paedagogus or The Instructor, Book II, Chapter XIII–Against Excessive Fondness for Jewels and Gold Ornaments (Roberts-Donaldson Translation).
Today’s Scripture reminds us that Jesus desires that we handle money in radically different ways than the world beckons us to use it. Then Clement urges us to bid a long farewell to luxuries, to value people over possessions, and to exercise self-restraint instead.
Will we?
We need not hoard an undue share of God’s provision. This is what Lent is all about. It’s a time when we can grow in our care for those in need rather than remain callused and captivated by things. We learn to exchange the sumptuous for the simple.
Will we?
I am praying for revival among God’s people everywhere this Lent. Teach us, Lord to bid a long farewell to superfluities and be found good and faithful stewards. Amen.