Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act. Proverbs 3:27
“As a result the mature bodied self becomes aware of the ways in which policy and public practice impinge upon the personal well-being of one’s self and one’s neighbor. Consequently one develops a capacity to “follow the money” and to see how the power of money, for good or for ill, crowds in on personal lives. This in turn leads to a capacity to recognize the crucial public issues that concern the rule and will of God, all of which have to do with the well-being of the neighbor and the viability of the neighborhood. The immature self is too often coddled by the church and remains excessively innocent about systems of power and excessively passive about the way in which law, policy, and corporate power may distort human personality or the ways in which law, policy, and corporate power may function in the service of the common good.”
Walter Brueggemann in Materiality As Resistance: Five Elements for Moral Action in the Real World (Louisville: WJKP, 2020), 45.
When we pursue maturity and follow the money we see how worldly thinking marginalizes and oppresses our neighbor rather than serves them.
My people in America demonstrate both immaturity and worldliness. God forgive us.
And the church does nothing but coddle people and remain passive. I can understand the ilk against Christians. Consider this famous statement from Mahatma Gandhi since I am returning from India and Nepal.
“I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ.”
Christ demonstrated others-centered humility with consistent love of neighbor. And He made crystal clear commands related to money which I ignored for years. If we follow the money we see both destitute poverty and wealthy Christians.
I feel so angry about this. I wish I could not see it. And I think it makes God angry.
My American people have the power to do good and they do not do it. James calls it sin, and so do I! “If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them.” James 4:17
But my people revel in our ignorance. Pastors preach feel good messages rather than the gospel linked to money. This passivity propagates the problem. The rich get richer. The poor get poorer. And God sees it all.
Today, hear my post as a call toward maturity and a prayer for mercy from God.
As you choose to help rather than hoard and function as a conduit rather than a container of blessing, you will find yourself in the minority. You may even experience difficulties. But you will find joy and contribute to the common good.
What does moving toward maturity in your generosity look like for you?