Road to Riches

Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses. —Luke 12:15

The riches of this world are vain,
They vanish in a day;
But sweet the treasures of God’s love—
They never pass away. —Bosch

These teaches are no stranger to the Brethren. I'm always trying to acquire less stuff, although admittedly I don't do such a good job. It's hard to recognizing that even attempting to live simply as I do, I am living at a standard so much higher than so many in the world. I really appreciated the fact that Carol and Jason Longenecker-Schmidt have a Simple Living group through their church. It seems like such a great idea to me, because this is something that we are called to as Christians and also something that we are called to as Christian... a life that is not centered around the abundance of stuff. But, it's very very challenging in today's society. In fact, if we are to take all of Jesus' teachings about money (and there are many) very seriously, it is quite countercultural to say the least.

But it's not enough to give up the riches of this world. Bosch says it quite well in this poem. The point of giving up worldly riches and possessions is to be able to recognize that our lives aren't about monetary riches but rather the richness of God. Lord, I praise You for the richness that You offer to us so freely and how it fills my heart and soul with joy each morning. You are so great, Heavenly Father. To You be the praise for the riches that You offer to all the humble of heart.

How long will you lie there, you sluggard?
When will you get up from your sleep?
A little sleep, a little slumber,
a little folding of the hands to rest-
and poverty will come on you like a bandit
and scarcity like an armed man. - Proverbs 6: 9-11

Now, while our life is not centered around wealth and possessions, Solomon gives some very sound advice here. Neither are we to become lazy and stop working. There are many hardworking people in the Bible to give us their example. While these verses are a bit extreme- "a little sleep, a little slumber"- it gets the point across. Hey, don't just sit there. Work for your living. Support your family. Earn your keep, so that you don't have the problem of poverty. Again this proves that the riches themselves are not the problem but rather the priorities. Are you chasing after money more than God? A beautifully decorated home more than Jesus? An attractive new wardrobe more than the Holy Spirit? There's the problem. As it says, "Seek ye first the kingdom of God, then all these things shall be added unto you." Keep working, but work for the glory of God... the building up of the kingdom.

But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him. For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are the smell of death; to the other, the fragrance of life. And who is equal to such a task? Unlike so many, we do not peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, like men sent from God. - 2 Corinthians 2: 14-17

This is a beautiful verse, likening our words about God to a beautiful fragrance and aroma. For some reason this reminds me of the flowering tree "dama da noite" in Brazil. Right in the middle of the dark, dirty and smelly favela after a long day of sweat and trash had gathered on the streets, the "dama da noite" gave off a beautifully sweet scent. I wished that I could take it with me, that I could bottle that scent that covered all the unpleasantness of daily life there. But I have another fragrant aroma... "the frangrance of the knowledge of him," and I know that it is sweeter than even the "dama da noite." And it is something I carry with me always, something that also covers up all the unpleasantness of daily life.

The second part of this, verses 16 and 17 touch my heart this morning. I have asked, "Who is equal to such a task?" many times. I feel so small to be given such responsibility, but I praise You, Father. This week's bible study brought so many wonderful ideas from many of the Christians who saw so much in Your word and shared with all of us. It brought friends who shared advice and teaching with me. It brought help with leading groups and unexpected sweet words of encouragement from friends who were there. And none of us are in this for the money, but for Your glory, Father... for the spreading of Your sweet word... fragrant to our surroundings and sweet honey to our lips.