"Then He spoke a parable to them, saying: “The ground of a certain rich man yielded plentifully. And he thought within himself, saying, ‘What shall I do, since I have no room to store my crops?’ So he said, ‘I will do this: I will pull down my barns and build greater, and there I will store all my crops and my goods. And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years; take your ease; eat, drink, and be merry.” ’ But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be which you have provided?’ “So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.” Luke 12:16-21
"Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the Lord and depart from evil." Proverbs 3:7
"Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you seems to be wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, “He catches the wise in their own craftiness”; and again, “The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are futile.” Therefore let no one boast in men. For all things are yours: whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas, or the world or life or death, or things present or things to come—all are yours. And you are Christ’s, and Christ is God’s." 1 Corinthians 3:18-23
"And to man He said, ‘Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, And to depart from evil is understanding.’ ” Job 28:28
The other day I watched part of a documentary on Netflix called 'Capital'. Basically it's a historical look at economics and wealth consolidation, as it relates to capital and it's implication on the present. Two interesting points I saw:
1. Many studies have been done on the subject of the haves and have nots. The one depicted on the show involved Monopoly. One player was allowed to roll two dice and receive an extra $500 to start, while the other player was given one die and $200 (or something like this). The videos showed in every case the lucky one or the one with the privilege never acknowledged the random privilege's as the reason for their success and they treated the under privileged person as beneath them and increasing rudely. Disturbing and yet very fascinating!
2. Historically as the gap between the haves and have nots grows, so does the likelihood of revolution.
The baby boomer generation was able to realize the opportunity for the average person to gain wealth and capital. Current generations, unfortunately, have missed this opportunity. It took WW1, the Great Depression and WW2 to put this country down a path of sharing the wealth. Today, as in years past, the super wealthy share nothing, pay little to no taxes and are just sitting on piles of money, which they have no need of. However, unlike in years past, they have learned the power of media to control and distract people. Think Roman Empire and the gladiator battles. The people were clueless regarding the drastic decline of their empire because they were distracted. Hitler successfully used media to get into and stay in power until it nearly destroyed Germany forever.
The US is in dire straights. We were weak before COVID and are even weaker now. We have trusted in our wealth, our leaders and military might for too long without acknowledging God's grace. We have much innocent blood and shame on our heads. Today we are locked onto our cell phones and TVs, clueless to the decay of our society and subsequent vulnerability. We live in a culture of fear as we fear losing things which ultimately are of little to no consequence. We have become as play things to demons, which only desires to kill, steal and destroy everything created by God and especially those created in His image.
Put aside this foolishness. Wealth is nothing more than a tool. It's here today and gone tomorrow, whether through losing it or death, so shouldn't we spend it on helping others. When we have it we should be mindful of the two greatest commandments. Live life free with an open hand. An open hand can easily let go of anything and likewise easily receive anything. An open hand can shake a hand or embrace another person. Likewise it can easily let people go. Instead of thinking how much can we acquire for ourselves in this life, let's instead think of how we can position ourselves to receive everything God has for us and live with open hands ready to give and receive. Lastly, be anxious for nothing.
Father, have mercy on me and forgive me. Hear my prayers for the sake of Your Son Jesus. As the veil was torn by His death, now Your church has direct access to Your throne and ears. I pray for forgiveness for my pride, arrogance, greed and fear. I pray forgiveness for living a life all too often with a closed fist rather than an open hand. Forgive me for the selfish and hurtful ways I've treated some as a threat or a nuisance. Help me to instead learn to live within firm, yet grace filled compassionate boundaries with others, out of respect for myself and others. Help me to establish desires and goals in my life which are more in accord with Your teachings Lord Jesus. I need Your counsel Holy Spirit. I need to receive Your love Father, as a son. I need healing in my heart and soul, so that I can have the strength to run from sin and crucify the old man. Help me to hold on loosely to my plans, while holding on tightly to Your word. As it seems the world is in turmoil now, help me to run from fear and cling to Your love. Help me to take the place of authority You have already provided for all Your children. In Jesus name.
