I tell you, use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings. Luke 16:9
“Jesus helps us see that money is a deceptive power. Just when we think we can use it, it uses us. Money corrupts our desires and demands sacrifices at its altar. But drawing on the wisdom of the weak, Jesus also teaches what money is good for…when we spread the stuff around we facilitate friendships that last forever…
Why is it that we who say we’re baptized into eternal unity in Christ’s body strive so hard for economic independence and send our surplus to organizations who serve the poor on our behalf? We seem to be so enamored with the security and luxury of success than with the wisdom of the weak and God’s economy of abundance…
We spend more time with people who can help us get ahead than we do with the brothers and sisters God saw fit to give us. As a result we know precious little of economic friendship. We’re not very good at loving our neighbors because we don’t think we need them now – and we hope we never do. No wonder we’re lonely…The idolatry of wealth doesn’t only compromise our relationship with God; it destroys community and makes abundant life impossible.”
Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove in God’s Economy (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2009) 147, 150-151.
Life in God’s economy brings friendships together.
It’s striking to track how the prevailing American narrative of “economic independence” causes people to store up treasures for themselves and in many cases, find themselves all alone later in life. God’s design is that our use of His blessings brings people together. Regardless of what others are doing here in Dallas this weekend, we are encouraging our brothers and sisters at All Saints Church to grasp life in God’s economy. We desire this for every Daily Meditations reader.
Use whatever God’s given you to “facilitate friendships” that will last for eternity!