First it is alleged that actually (in accordance with later Christian theology) no man can get into heaven of his own accord, and therefore that rich people are really no worse off than anyone else, with the exception that they may suffer the added tem…

Musing here…do we ever really “determine” in our minds that “money and stuff” are our goals? or do we rather just lose focus and ride the wave? Stuff in and of itself could be a wolf in sheeps clothing.

Unless we actually continually, renewingly (is that a real word?) focus our “focus” on being a disciple, it’s far too easy to get caught up on the tangible bling surrounding us 24/7. Proactively seeking discipleship and things of the kingdom of God, would seem as our only protection!

Is it really possible to be materialisticly wealthy by the worlds standards and a “true” follower? My heart of hearts smells an oxymoron.

If Christ is our true passion, our true desire -the things of this world…fall away, they are utterly meaningless. Our 100K a year job, pales in comparison to the fathers working for a dollar a day to literally FEED their families. Our plush and comfy homes – incubate our immediate families – while crowded shelters and flimsy tents house extended families. Our daily baths, our clean detergent smelling clothes – seem utterly extravagent and out of place in other places.

Can we then conscienciously be “worldly” wealthy and be a true follower? Happiness is never found in things. Our culture propagates the notion that buying and having more is good for us. We all covet and crave our vices. Hot coffee, laptops, cell phones, television, shoes, handbags, make up… All are like drugs, zapping our focus, letting us shoot up on the high of having “our stuff”.

I agree – wealth is not “stated” as a sin, but lose your focus and the taste can become unsatiable. What about living with just what we need. Nothing more.

Just as I’ve learned to realize that there are no “super dads or supermoms”. Those that seeminly have “it all”. There are costs, sacrifices, blind eyes and ostrich heads in the sand associated with these “super” phenomenoms. The things that most of us never see on the outside…but the pain of choosing one thing over another that God sees. I have a hard time believing that “wealthy disciples exist”. Getting vs gifting. Receiving, accumulating… vs giving and sharing. Tangiable wealth is brought on by hoarding in a way is it not?

We see “wealthy” Christians portrayed. I really wonder though… doesn’t God just give us what we need? It would seem then that anything beyond that – is perhaps just brought on by our misaligned focused selves.

Best to forgo the notion of managing wealth and true discipleship simultaneously lest you prefer the heart wrenching pull between God vs Stuff, bombarding you every waking minute of the day.

Now excuse me as I shed my designer jeans for a more comfortable cotton, tagless, caftan.