I do not share an ideology with those who would be labelled the far left. I am not a bleeding heart liberal. I do not champion big government or legislating handouts for the poor and less fortunate. Instead, I believe in the word of God and the obedience it demands. The requirement of all believers to seek justice and show grace, to demonstrate mercy and act generously. I am not a socialist, I am a Christian. I am not ideology driven I am obedience driven. I am not left or right but instead I seek to be righteous.

For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. 1 Timothy 6:10 (NIV)

Money is the root of all types of purchases motivated by all types of desires leading to a love for things that make us less likely to obediently follow God.

It is easy to tell yourself that you buy only what you need and nothing more. It is just as easy to single out others for buying more than they need. In our minds it isn’t a love of money that drives us or them but instead we are a little more practical and they are a little more extravagant when it comes to addressing our needs. I would even go as far as to say we have somehow created a disconnect between money and the things we buy. As long as that exists we will never see our actions in light of 1 Timothy 6:10.

It is easy to tell ourselves that our churches pay for only what we need and nothing more. It is just as easy to single out other churches for buying more than they need. In our minds it isn’t a love of money that drives our church or theirs but instead we are a little more practical and they are a little more extravagant when it comes to the way the church operates. I would even go as far as to say we have somehow created a disconnect between money and the things we buy in the course of operating the church. As long as that exists we will never see our actions in light of 1 Timothy 6:10.

North American Christianity and church is a reflection of North American culture but is that biblical?

We need to keep up with the Joneses. If they have it, if the ads we read and watch say they have it, then we need it. It’s not extravagant or unnecessary unless we can’t afford it. If we can’t afford it then we look at them as those rich people with nothing better to do but waste their money.

Our churches need to keep up with the St. Joneses, the church down the street or in the next town. If they have it or if the ads directed at churches say they have it, then our church needs it. It’s not extravagant or unnecessary unless our church can’t afford it. If we can’t afford it then we look at their church as those rich people with nothing better to do but waste their money.

We keep up with the Joneses and the St. Joneses while the Smiths struggle to pay for food.

The government and the church shouldn’t be providing welfare, people should work for their money, comes out of the same mouth that says we have no jobs for people like that.

They’re all too lazy they should get a second job if they need more money, comes out of the same mouth that complains that they don’t get a paid lunch break or four weeks of holidays.

Why don’t they do something to make their lives better, to move up in this world comes out of the same mouth that states they don’t want those people living in their neighbourhood or attending their church.

The Bible doesn’t say…

I was hungry you told me to “get a job,” I was thirsty you said “I only have enough for my latte,” I was a stranger you said “I think you are in the wrong neighbourhood,” I needed clothes you said “there is only enough money in the budget for the new sound system and video wall,” I was sick you said “that’s what you get for wearing old ripped up clothes,” I was in prison you said “serves you right.”

The Bible says…

For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’

“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink?  When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’

“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me. Matthew 25:35-40 (NIV)