Parables From Luke: The Rich Fool
Read once more the parable of the rich fool, found in Luke 12:13-21.
Click here to read more about the inspiring story of Oseola McCarty.
Click here to read some of the tributes to her generosity.
Does reading her story begin to kindle some thoughts inside you? What kind of legacy would you leave if tonight your soul were to be required of you?
Richard Foster is a noted writer on spirituality. In his book The Challenge of the Disciplined Life, he comments that as we mature in our faith, something changes. We often begin by asking - "How much of my money should I give to God?" As our faith matures, we may be able to reframe that question - "How much of God's money should I keep for myself?"
You may have heard the testimony John Wesley gave about how he managed his possessions. He frequently gave the advice to "earn all you can, save all you can, and give all you can." He lived by that rule.
When he was at Oxford, he had an income of 30 pounds a year. He lived on 28 pounds a year, and gave 2 pounds away. When his income increased to 60 pounds, he lived on 28 pounds, and gave away 32 pounds. When his income, increased to 120 pounds, he still lived on 28 pounds, and gave away 92 pounds!
In 1776, Wesley was contacted by the authorities concerning an excise tax upon the household silver. This was his response (a copy of this letter remains to this day):
SIR,--I have two silver teaspoons at London, and two at Bristol. This is all the plate which I have at present; and I shall not buy any more while so many round me want bread.
Some Christian financial planners suggest the 10/10/80 plan for young people. Knowing that the tendency in the U.S. is to live on 110% of our income - this plan suggests that we give away 10%, save 10% and live on the remaining 80%.
How would our culture be different if we were to follow this plan?
See the Crown Ministries website for more information about how to put biblical principles into practice in the management of your household.
Ancient Christian writers made the following comments upon this parable:
"The redemption of a man's soul is his riches. But the bellies of the poor are much safer storehouses than our barns." (St. Augustine, 354-430)
"Since the days of this life are short and the time uncertain, death should never be unexpected." (Leo the Great, bishop of Rome in the 5th century)
"The things that we cannot take away with us are not ours either. Only virtue is the companion of the dead. Compassion alone follows us." (Ambrose, bishop of Milan in the 4th century, and teacher of Augustine)
"Covetousness is a pitfall of the devil and hateful to God. It is a snare of evil spirits, by which they drag a person's soul to the nets of hell." (Cyril of Alexandria, 5th century)
posted by Robert Stutes at
7:02 AM
2 Comments:
It strikes me as obvious that our responsibility to others of fewer assets is accurately measured only by the remaining needs of those without enough to enjoy life abundantly, with no care as to why they are without, rather than the creating a false safety zone based upon the giving a percentage to any institutions.
Why must we sell a giving concern for others by triggering silfishness within the giver? It is decidedly un-Christian to induce giving based upon the future prosperity of the giver.
Paul Looney
Scripture tells us:
"Tell those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which will soon be gone. But their trust should be in the living God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment. Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and should give generously to those in need, always being ready to share with others whatever God has given them. By doing this they will be storing up their treasure as a good foundation for the future so that they may take hold of real life." (1 Timothy 6:17-19).
In one way - this could be taken as appealing to a selfish motive - be generous so you can have "treasure in the end!" In another sense - this is an appeal to redefine what treasure really is.
Good questions!
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