I remember a late friend of mine who told me that he was a "born-again capitalist" ...and that making money is the purest motivation there was. One did not have to pretend that there was a higher calling "...loving money and it's benefits was at the basis of every religion and political movement... so just be honest!"
Some claim that Jesus was homeless, while others claim he was quite wealthy... so what does the Bible say? Or does it matter that it is the sole reference to the life of Christ, or should we just create this historical figure into what we imagine? Many on the outside aren't just accusing Christians of the "image" being presented... they are accusing Christ Himself, and rejecting Him based on faulty information. My purpose is to expose what the Bible says on this very topic... but I can't promise that my attitude won't get in the way somewhere along the way !:]
First, don't get your knickers in a twist because I used "Uncle Sam" as a backdrop for "Uncle Jesus" ...I was looking for an all American Dream of what we want Jesus to be, and something that would represent the "western" capitalistic look of religion and "faith" ...if you are offended... suck it up! Second, I am as ignorant as they come, however I am looking for a gospel that "works" everywhere in the world... not just North America or developed nations. I just want to know what I am supposed to tell those without... from the examples of those "within".
It would seem the first quote I get thrown in my face when questioning Jesus' financial portfolio is... The Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30) ...where we are supposed to make lots and lots of money, and be found "faithful" upon the return of our Master. What gets lost in translation is that it is a PARABLE and parables take something that is obvious and reveal something less obvious or something obviously hidden, by the actions of those to whom the parable is for.
OK, the parable of the talents Matthew 25:14-30 finishes with Jesus separating the Sheep from the Goats, and commending those who shared...
"Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.' (Matthew 25:34-36)
... similarly Jesus taught about using the riches in this world to gain friend for the next, in doing so Jesus exposed the greed behind much of religion today, and the eternal cost that will be paid for our heartlessness here and now. The Parable of the Shrewd Manager in Luke 16:1-12 shows just how God would have us use HIS WEALTH in this age (exactly), and what He wants it spent on... this parable too ends with a sombre rebuke to those "diligent" investors (like the Rich Man)...
"No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money." The Pharisees, who loved money, heard all this and were sneering at Jesus. 15 He said to them, "You are the ones who justify yourselves in the eyes of others, but God knows your hearts. What people value highly is detestable in God's sight." (Luke 16:13-15)
One would need to know little about Jesus' financial holdings to see that if Jesus wasn't a total hypocrite by what He preached, He couldn't have been laying up for His retirement or the establishment of His follower's "dominion" in this world...
"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal." (Matthew 6:19-20)
"My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But my kingdom is not from the world." (John 18:36)
...but I hear it all the time... "How much more we could do for Jesus if we had more money to do it with!" But is that our mandate given to us from Jesus? People say all the time... "What would Jesus do?" ...as if there was any ambiguity to His actions... we already know, Jesus wasn't a liar! Unfortunately the "Jesus" many are presented with these days is not the one of the Bible, and the Christians most encounter are not the ones of the Bible either... the first chapters of Acts would settle any dispute if anyone was interested.
The gospel (good news) should be one that is first accurate to the scriptures... it matters little if one can get droves compelled to believe something that is false. We need to first be faithful to the one who gave us His Word, there are stern warning to those who misrepresent Christ. The good news also must be applicable to the whole world for whom it was intended, most of the world lives in poverty without a social net to catch them if they fall on hard times. Jesus said....
"Blessed be you poor: for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are you that hunger now: for you shall be filled. Blessed are you that weep now: for you shall laugh. Blessed are you, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake." (Luke 6:20-22)
I think the reason that the gospel has lost it's appeal is because it has lost it's Jesus! The "Jesus" it has now blesses the rich for their selfishness, while begging off the poor to just support it's ministry by purchasing one more CD or "partnership" at a monthly fee. It makes me sick to see the lies tossed out to those who could use a little truth. Is ours the picture of a New Testament Church selling...
"...their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved." (Acts 2:45-47)
"These are the things you are to teach and insist on. If anyone teaches otherwise and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching, they are conceited and understand nothing. They have an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions and constant friction between people of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain.But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs." (1 Timothy 6:3-10)
Spoken by one who would know... the Apostle Peter presented the real gospel, and said the "trying of our faith is worth more than gold." (1 Peter 1:7)