Blessed are the poor
One of my great fascinations lately is income redistribution - that is, using money that I earn (or you earn) to meet someone else's needs.
Not long ago some friends and I did an experiment. We committed to give a small percentage of our income into a communal account. Then, as we went about our lives, if we met anyone in need we could use the money from that account to meet the need. It was spectacular. Not that we had a lot of money to use, because we didn't, but because my whole mindset changed in regards to other people's material needs.
My usual reaction to someone else's needs used to be sympathy at best, and avoidance at worst. Only in the rarest of circumstances did I consider actually digging into my wallet for them. But once I had money waiting and ready to address people's needs, I was glad to hear them, I was ready to act.
We stopped our experiment due to logistical difficulties (Uganda's banking facilities aren't wired too well with America's), but what I learned has stayed with me. I continue to set aside money to meet needs that I encounter around me. And more than that, I've seen that our attitudes about money are one of the great hindrances to right living.
If you read the teachings of Jesus, he talks about money or financial circumstances an awful lot for a spiritual teacher: "Blessed are you who are poor... Woe to you who are rich... Sell everything you have and give to the poor." I don't think he'd spend so much time on money if money wasn't important.
But most Americans don't treat money the way that Jesus teaches - even those who claim to be his disciples. Instead we use our money however we like, and if we're so inclined we creatively interpret and apply (or not apply) his teachings to allow us such freedom.
So here's my quest. I'm seeking out people who are treating money differently. I want to find those who are using their money to meet the needs of others, who are sharing money, sharing bills, giving money in creative ways. I want to see what happens when people let go of the American norms about money and embrace the teachings of wiser men.
If you have anyone to introduce me to, or ideas to share, or if these ideas intrigue you like they do me, please contact me: james(dot)a(dot)pearson{@}gmaildotcom.
Not long ago some friends and I did an experiment. We committed to give a small percentage of our income into a communal account. Then, as we went about our lives, if we met anyone in need we could use the money from that account to meet the need. It was spectacular. Not that we had a lot of money to use, because we didn't, but because my whole mindset changed in regards to other people's material needs.
My usual reaction to someone else's needs used to be sympathy at best, and avoidance at worst. Only in the rarest of circumstances did I consider actually digging into my wallet for them. But once I had money waiting and ready to address people's needs, I was glad to hear them, I was ready to act.
We stopped our experiment due to logistical difficulties (Uganda's banking facilities aren't wired too well with America's), but what I learned has stayed with me. I continue to set aside money to meet needs that I encounter around me. And more than that, I've seen that our attitudes about money are one of the great hindrances to right living.
If you read the teachings of Jesus, he talks about money or financial circumstances an awful lot for a spiritual teacher: "Blessed are you who are poor... Woe to you who are rich... Sell everything you have and give to the poor." I don't think he'd spend so much time on money if money wasn't important.
But most Americans don't treat money the way that Jesus teaches - even those who claim to be his disciples. Instead we use our money however we like, and if we're so inclined we creatively interpret and apply (or not apply) his teachings to allow us such freedom.
So here's my quest. I'm seeking out people who are treating money differently. I want to find those who are using their money to meet the needs of others, who are sharing money, sharing bills, giving money in creative ways. I want to see what happens when people let go of the American norms about money and embrace the teachings of wiser men.
If you have anyone to introduce me to, or ideas to share, or if these ideas intrigue you like they do me, please contact me: james(dot)a(dot)pearson{@}gmaildotcom.
posted by James at 23:46
1 Comments:
Hey James,
Great post. This is such a challenge for many people, and as you mentioned, followers of Christ included.
I think it is difficult to find the people you are looking for sometimes due to the fact that they do not want to be found or known. Giving in this way, for the glory of God and not your own fame, must be coupled with humility. However, I think our tendency is to couple it with pride for the "good" that we are doing.
I look forward to continuing to see what you learn in this journey.
Thanks again for the post.
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