lifeasmission

So, I got back to the states a week ago now.  I have already managed to take a weekend trip to DC with three good friends to visit another.  I have been spending time with my mom and grandma, and I am slowly, but surely taking the time to visit with former students and families that became dear to me during my time at RiverTree.  The other night I was able to hang out with some of my favorite guys, Josh, Adam, Nate, and Shawn, - and I got to meet two new friends, Matt and Brian (think I got those right.)  I met up with Josh and Nate at Penn Station for dinner and then we joined the others at Starbucks.  Since these guys are some stellar emerging theologians, we ended up having a really great conversation about how Christians in the suburbs ought to understand and use (or not use) money.
   
It seemed like one of their concerns was that if we took Jesus at his word, we would end up communists because everyone would have to be the same by giving up all of their posessions.  I could see where they were coming from, but I was glad that our conversation didn’t end there.  I brought up the notion of the tithe and how the purpose of the tithe hadn’t been to make everyone equal, but rather to make sure that everyone was provided for.  In fact, it was precisely because equality wasn’t expected, that God instituted the tithe.  It was evident that in any given year some people would be prosperous and others would suffer.  Some would harvest large amounts of crops, and others small.  Therefore, people were obliged to set aside a tenth, their best tenth, to, not give away, but share (it’s different in a very important way!).  So, when people came together for fetivals and celebrations, those who had less, though they would still be affirmed in contributing, would be blessed by others - and chances are nearly everyone would experience their time of lack and need.

These are smart guys and I really enjoyed having this conversation with them.  It reminded me just how much ideologies like consumerism, materialism, and individualism invade our souls and distort how we see the world and reality.  It also reminded me of how incredible it is when we truly allow Scripture to illuminate us as to who God is, what He is like, and what His desires for His people are.