Some will say this is too strong. Perhaps it is, but at least it should cause us to check our hearts. It did that for me today and for that I am thankful.
Before you write it off, read your Bible and ponder all that it says about money.
(HT: Seth Ward)
9 comments:
Z
While I like Piper on most things, one cannot assume that he is always right. If you want another view (not prosperity gospel), read Dr. John Schneider: The Good of Affluence - seeking God in a culture of Wealth.
Chris
While I like Piper on most things, this another one I agree with him on!
"While I like Piper on most things," I think I agree with him on this. What is hard for me is that I consider myself wealthy. We all should. Mark Driscoll points out that if you live in the United States, you are wealthy.
Whenever confronted with this teaching, I find myself wondering, does this mean I should give up my job as a doctor and take a vow of poverty? Should I continue working as a doctor yet adopt a lifestyle of poverty?
The point I have come to is that I feel the stuff "we own" belongs to God and so can be used to further His kingdom. Our house is open for use by the church. I like to think the financial gifts we receive from God are used in such a way that they honor Him.
I also pray that if God calls me away from my current vocation, to do something less lucrative, that I will respond to that call and praise Him without hesitation.
Jason,
Great point. I think that is key. How is your stuff used?
We all need to check out ourselves. That is the only reason I posted this. Everyone will draw our lines differently and we'll be accountable to God for those. There is no cause for finger pointing or being judgmental here.
z
Z,
This definitely is strong.....and painful. I think Piper nailed it. I have recently been doing some reading on what is called "the doctrine of nonaccumulation" and what Jesus taught about money. It flies in the face of our American culture. The disparity between what Jesus taught and my own lifestyle has been revealed.
I am still trying to figure out how to work this out practially in my life.
Vitamin Z
I don't disagree with you, but this teaching has been used all too often to make those with wealth feel guilty.
There are many wealth narratives in the N. T., both negative and positive. Why is it that Piper and others (and don't get me wrong, I enjoy Piper immensely), only focus on the negative.
http://www.giammona.com/?cat=23 - my posts about Schneider's book and the good of affluence.
I agree with you that in the end all that we have belongs to God. We are accountable and responsible for what we do with what we are given.
Chris
Chris,
Thanks for your comment. Whether or not one feels guilty about how much money they have is probably up to them. I don't consider myself rich, but based on the world's standards I clearly am. I don't feel guilty about this, but a grave responsibility.
When I hear Piper on this I hear a warning not an indictment. It's a warning that I feel is consistent with the NT and should be considered by all who name the name of Jesus.
I think he speaks so strongly on this because most of us Americans probably have no idea what it means to sacrifice, which is what the Calvary road calls us to (like he mentioned). You could hear me say that (or Piper) as me trying to heep up guilt, or you could say, "No, I really do know what it means to sacrifice" and if that was the case then I would shut up and leave it between you and God.
Again, it's between you and God, we can't draw these lines for each other, but I think we are called to challenge each other to live lives that reflect God's kingdom priorities. How are we doing on that? If you feel no need to be warned about money in your life, then I will be the first to back down and not say a word about it. I know for me, when I hear Piper talk about this something rings true in me and it helps me focus on kingdom living.
z
Agreed. The word that struck me in Piper's sermon was "accumulation". He didn't seem to say it was wrong to have a well-paying job or see lots of money come in. But to hold on to it and keep it just for your own use is a temptation that people who don't see that kind of money don't face.
Thanks for posting this!
Laura
I think what he said was that wealth is usually a curse not a blessing - he said almost always. That means in the ordinary - wealth is usually a negative not a positive.
He could have said the accumulation of wealth is always a curse, but he chose not to say that. That statement, I would have agreed with.
Chris
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