Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 9:7
“To him, engaged in this distressful toil, the poor man presents himself, asking for some of the endangered grain, but he does not give it; or, if he gives it, he bestows it parsimoniously, and half-heartedly, parting with it with extreme reluctance. Therefore, I beseech you, if you are such a man, do not undergo these infinite hardships. For the covetous man who lives in luxury is deserving of pity, since he bounds his existence with the belly’s enjoyment and other pleasures, regarding this as the goal of humanity.
But in the case of the mean and penurious, his wretchedness has no limit, since he receives the goods of many, and does not give even to himself, and so has nothing for his pains. For who does not know that nothing, except the virtues, exists for its own sake, but we do one thing in order that we may accomplish another? No sailor traverses the sea simply for the sake of sailing, and no farmer passes his life in toil simply for the sake of farming; but it is manifest that both persevere amid their hardships that they may secure, the one the increase of the earth, and the other the wealth of maritime trade.
But tell me now, O covetous man, what is your goal? To accumulate? And what kind of an object in life is this, to heap up and gloat over unused substance? The very sight, he replies, delights me. Then attack your disorder in another way. For you can allay this longing with what belongs to others. If the glitter of silver delights you, sit beside the silversmiths and gaze steadfastly upon the strong and glittering sheen; or haunt the markets, and enjoy the richly wrought vessels, platters: and pitchers.
For the sight of them is free and unhindered. Watch the moneychangers also who are continually reckoning and counting the coin at their tables; but, better yet, yield to good advice and give up this inclination. For amendment is easy, since covetousness is not a necessity of nature, but a direction of choice, and to change it is not difficult for those who consider their own advantage.”
Asterius of Amasea (350-410) in his sermon, “Against Coveteousness.”
I’ve been on the shores of Lake Erie this weekend so the sailor word picture fits. My late uncle and his wife were greenhouse farmers so working the land for the increase from the earth also seems relevant, and at the end of the day, what Asterius brings into view is the choice we all must make.
Choose covetousness, which is a pitiful existence that results in reluctant giving at best, or cheerful giving, which God loves and which shows God’s love. It’s one or the other. What I can’t get over is how vivid Asterius writes and his words are more than 1,600 years old. Had he attended yesterday’s memorial service, he would have said this: “yield to good advice.”
He’d say get out there and do business: sail, farm, or toil diligently at any productive occupation. But then he’d add that we should make the choice not to accumulate but to distribute. Not to aim at luxury but at serving the poor. Death gives us perspective on how to live life. Thanks God (and Asterius) for the lesson as I return to Denver today.