Wednesday, January 7, 2009

The Line Is Drawn

I've taken to wondering lately where we should draw the lines in our lives as opposed to where we have drawn them. I hear allot of discussion about poverty, ministry to the poor, and money management, and where a Christians duty lies within that realm. The problem is that there's allot of discussion of the topic itself, and not allot of discussion on the biblicality of it. After all its hard to argue that by not living in poverty you somehow are not a Christian. It's hard to convince someone that their financial contributions towards ministries are less helpful then them offering their time instead. Speaking from experience, I look at a situation where someone has a homeless relative, who refuses to give up drugs and alcohol and therefore cant maintain a job, and wonder if it's biblical to support them financially even when they become either an emotional or financial burden that is destroying your family. Yet as a church we've chosen these subjects to debate, and divide ourselves upon. I hear pastors talk of how Christians need to get out their pocket books, how they need to get off their duffs and volunteer, and I think, "Yes, good for them. These people need to walk the walk." Then at the same time I hear many of the newer pastors and speakers out there saying it's not enough. They tell you teaching Sunday school and tithing isn't enough. Somehow you working a job at a clothing store makes you less of a Christian then someone who spends their day at the mission. Is this where the lines should be? Are all Christians called have this ideal life? Have we forsaken the idea that a Christian can serve God in whatever capacity he has given them in whatever situation he has put them in?

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

We have had this conversation at Family home evening. Alot of our discussion evolved around giving to someone who is having issues with their own demises of alcohol, drugs, etc.

As much of an issue as there is now adays with the issue I agree with you. However at some point you have to stop and think about one thing. It says in the Bible that we should not treasure up things here on earth that can rust and be stolen, but we should treasure up the things of heaven. So with that being said, are you worshipping money instead of God. Everything we are given in this life isn't ours to begin with. So when you spend your money frivolously think about spending God's money. We're just stewarts of what God has given us

Jared said...

Thanks for the comments Rache :) I totally agree with you in theory, even if I have a hard time practicing it. I wasnt refering to money just on a personal level, but in the sense of a family. Is supporting a person to the extent of destroying ones family Gods will? Does it make you a better Christian. What I can't get over is that we are drawing lines like this and judging peoples faith and beliefs based on them. My judgement of a Christian isn't based on how often they volunteer at the mission, or how much money they give on Sundays, nor should it be. I know the bible talks about works being an outward expression of faith, but are we focusing to much on that? That's kinda where I was going. Maybe I should used that example, but like I said the one I used is personal, so it's been weighing on my heart.