Luke 3:10-14
It's a bit hard to believe that in Jesus time there was an attachment to 'things'. It almost seems like we invented materialism in our time. Perhaps it is part of the human condition and how much money you had and how many sandals you had gave you a sense of worth and power.
It's a bit hard to believe that in Jesus time there was an attachment to 'things'. It almost seems like we invented materialism in our time. Perhaps it is part of the human condition and how much money you had and how many sandals you had gave you a sense of worth and power.
One of the simplist lessons that my dad ever taught me has a direct bearing on this passage. He always said to me that if I had something that someone esle needed or could use, I should give it to them. I think this was a great lesson to me on being generous, caring, appreciating others' needs and not letting things own you. If you are willing to part with them for the sake of some one else' need, you are less likely in my estimation to feel complete ownership of something as opposed to simply having stewardship over those material things. If you think about it, we really own nothing. Hearses don't have luggage racks and even our families are not our possessions. We are merely stewards.
While we are stewards we are called to not have extreme attachments to things. We need to recognize their value and how they can best be utilized for God's glory. If we have been graced with wealth even while we think we may have 'worked for it', how can that be used wisely? We need to balance our own care and the care of those entrusted to us ( family and community ).
When we keep everything in proper perspective we are healthier, happier people. When anything becomes too important or starts to own us, we are enslaved. God has no desire to have us enslaved. Things can easily enslave us. Dare I say it, even sex can enslave us. I don't think Jesus was speaking about this in this passage but it holds true. Everything in proper perspective.
This doesn't mean we should not enjoy life, things, sex and all of God's gifts. But let love be the most important. Try not to let things get in the way lest we become enslaved.
While we are stewards we are called to not have extreme attachments to things. We need to recognize their value and how they can best be utilized for God's glory. If we have been graced with wealth even while we think we may have 'worked for it', how can that be used wisely? We need to balance our own care and the care of those entrusted to us ( family and community ).
When we keep everything in proper perspective we are healthier, happier people. When anything becomes too important or starts to own us, we are enslaved. God has no desire to have us enslaved. Things can easily enslave us. Dare I say it, even sex can enslave us. I don't think Jesus was speaking about this in this passage but it holds true. Everything in proper perspective.
This doesn't mean we should not enjoy life, things, sex and all of God's gifts. But let love be the most important. Try not to let things get in the way lest we become enslaved.
And the crowds asked him, ‘What then should we do?’ In reply he said to them, ‘Whoever has two coats must share with anyone who has none; and whoever has food must do likewise.’ Even tax-collectors came to be baptized, and they asked him, ‘Teacher, what should we do?’ He said to them, ‘Collect no more than the amount prescribed for you.’ Soldiers also asked him, ‘And we, what should we do?’ He said to them, ‘Do not extort money from anyone by threats or false accusation, and be satisfied with your wages.’
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