In a spiritual world of quick fixes and vague emotion, is it crazy to believe there is still a place for insights based on simple, basic, theological understanding. I believe it is worth exploring.
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Monday, April 29, 2013
A Touch of Humor - The Contribution
How far should we cater to the aesthetic opinions of other believers (whether or not they contribute $5,000 a month)? Where do we draw the line?
My dear brothers and sisters, how can you claim to have faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ if you favor some people over others?
For example, suppose someone comes into your meeting dressed in fancy clothes and expensive jewelry, and another comes in who is poor and dressed in dirty clothes. If you give special attention and a good seat to the rich person, but you say to the poor one, “You can stand over there, or else sit on the floor”—well, doesn’t this discrimination show that your judgments are guided by evil motives?
Listen to me, dear brothers and sisters. Hasn’t God chosen the poor in this world to be rich in faith? Aren’t they the ones who will inherit the Kingdom he promised to those who love him? But you dishonor the poor! Isn’t it the rich who oppress you and drag you into court? Aren’t they the ones who slander Jesus Christ, whose noble name you bear?
Of course the flip-side of the issue is that many churches are run like businesses. In that scenario the largest investors have the larger voting bloc. In our condo building people with the largest lofts have the most clout when we vote on things. Guess it depends on what how the church is set up and whether those who support it the most should be able to influence decisions. Reminds me of how churches sell pews and stained glass windows where donor's names are enshrined on them.
My dear brothers and sisters, how can you claim to have faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ if you favor some people over others?
ReplyDeleteFor example, suppose someone comes into your meeting dressed in fancy clothes and expensive jewelry, and another comes in who is poor and dressed in dirty clothes. If you give special attention and a good seat to the rich person, but you say to the poor one, “You can stand over there, or else sit on the floor”—well, doesn’t this discrimination show that your judgments are guided by evil motives?
Listen to me, dear brothers and sisters. Hasn’t God chosen the poor in this world to be rich in faith? Aren’t they the ones who will inherit the Kingdom he promised to those who love him? But you dishonor the poor! Isn’t it the rich who oppress you and drag you into court? Aren’t they the ones who slander Jesus Christ, whose noble name you bear?
Of course the flip-side of the issue is that many churches are run like businesses. In that scenario the largest investors have the larger voting bloc. In our condo building people with the largest lofts have the most clout when we vote on things. Guess it depends on what how the church is set up and whether those who support it the most should be able to influence decisions. Reminds me of how churches sell pews and stained glass windows where donor's names are enshrined on them.
ReplyDeleteI wholly agree and that passage in James is one that is sadly neglected.
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