When the "top 1%" consume too much of our thoughts

 


I hear a lot of people complaining about the top “1%” of the wealthiest people. Common folks like us sneer as we gripe about how unfair it is that those people control so much of the world’s wealth. Somehow this wealth makes them bad people. “Let’s just hate them” seems to be the consensus.

What if we all, each of us who can read this page today, are actually the world’s richest people? Comparatively speaking, if you have a toilet in your house, you are way above average. If you have electricity, running water, a cellphone and an automobile, you are grossly wealthy by comparison to billions of people. That’s billions with a B, and you are probably in the top 10% of the bracket of what we call wealthy by living conditions and standards. Not too shabby.

Who really cares about the rich, though. They have their own little world and we have ours, right? Well, again, we are all wealthy in this country. Even if you only make $10,000 a year you are wealthier than over half the world’s population. If you earn $100,000 a year you are in the lower tier of the top 7-9%. If you make between $10,000 and the $100,000 mark, you are in the top 25%. Again, not too shabby.

It’s really unhealthy to worry about what the “rich” people have, when we have so much, all of us. And by the way, our community reaps the rewards of several philanthropists who generously contribute to this region. Most of the wealthy people you think about have worked hard to get where they are. They put in the hours of toil, they made sacrifices the common person is unwilling to make to get where they are, and a healthy portion of them give back.

Why is it unhealthy to worry and complain about the “rich” people? Yes, it’s harder to count your own blessings when you are busy tallying up what your neighbor has, but there’s more. Envy, minimally, rots the core of your soul. If it pains you to see other people experience good fortune, you are guaranteed to be the most sorrowful, unhappiest person in the world. People who succumb to envy are miserable and extremely sad. But it gets worse.

The Bible warns the love of money is the root of all sorts of evil. The Bible doesn’t say possessing money is evil. You know what is evil? Envy. It’s one of the works of the flesh. According to Galatians Chapter 5, people who are envious cannot inherit the Kingdom. It’s that serious.

Paul tells us we should be content with some bare minimums in life — he never said be contentious over what others have. And, Paul, just like Jesus before him, was a recipient of the blessings from wealthy donors whose generosity and contributions funded their ministries.

If you are worried about the souls of the top 1%, pray for them. It is hard to depend on God and trust God when you are that wealthy. I’m sure few people of that status can stay grounded. If you find yourself hating them because of what they have, pray for your own self. Your own soul is most likely in jeopardy if you hate them or envy them for what they have. And please remember how blessed you truly are.

This post was published originally in this link in the Kingsport Times News: Remember how blessed you truly are | Faith | timesnews.net

When other churches...

There’s nothing wrong when another congregation gains some momentum or draws large numbers, but there’s nothing special about it either. There probably is something wrong with “church envy” though. We shouldn’t worry so much about the progress of other churches.

Unfortunately, many members of smaller congregations (the majority of churches in North America have around 75 members or less) harbor bitterness and resentment towards the churches that seem to grow. This is more dangerous for you than distracted driving.

If you are envious of the church down the street that is busting at the seams, please consider the following:

Most of the growth you think you are seeing isn’t necessarily an increase/net growth for the Kingdom. In other words, what you think you are seeing is most likely a reshuffling of the deck, so to say. To be clear, I’m certain souls are being reached/saved in the “popular” church, but most often what you are observing is merely a migration of the flock from one pen to another.

Dissatisfied people will leave one congregation and go to another based on a myriad of reason -- you’ll drive yourself crazy trying pinpoint why too... An attraction of bigger youth group, a younger more “exciting” Pastor, or an experience with church conflict or burnout back home can sway some. And to be honest, right or wrong, there’s something enticing about the scent of sawdust & fresh paint, and driving on new parking-lots too. Then of course there’s the “The padding is greener on the other side of the pew” syndrome. Also, never underestimate the appeal of a lifelong friend who after years of inviting you simply won’t take no for an answer.

That church you have your eye on that seems to be doing everything right while your congregation is languishing in the doldrums won’t be there forever, either. How do I know? How many of the churches which the Apostle Paul planted still exist? None. All churches go through a life-cycle. They are planted (or “splanted” in some cases) and they roll along for a period of time, and they eventually close their doors. Then again, sometimes a lamp-stand needs to be removed too.

I love churches of all sizes, but in a larger church even with all of the extra resources and capabilities, it’s too easy for people to fall through cracks. While on the other hand, in a smaller church there are more opportunities for you to use your gifts and you are noticeably missed when you aren’t around. Larger churches often can engage in more “big ticket” activities in their community, while people seem to grow more spiritually while serving in smaller churches. These dynamics aren’t evil or holy, they just are.

While we are considering this whole topic, this is probably a good time to reflect on what true “success” is. Are you basing your idea of your church’s success on a business model, or on something more substantial? We might think a hefty budget, well manicured lawns, big crowds and a large staff all indicate a church’s success. Hey, every once in a while hard work pays off, and sure the Spirit moves and we see a church “grow” as a result. Then again, Jesus never established a large campus and He barely kept a dozen followers together at any given time.

Did Jesus fail in your opinion or was He a success? Because based on the “mega-church” standard that most congregants establish for their church, Jesus wouldn’t score very high at His annual evaluation....

Actually, Jesus indicated success was about authentic transformation, i.e., when the disciple becomes like the teacher (Please read LK 6:40). That might happen in a large stadium, an auditorium..., although it could take place more than likely while drinking coffee and studying the Bible in your mentor’s livingroom.

Remember, some people who are looking for a church like all the bells & whistles while some people like church to be simple. Some folks love the KJV, others enjoy translations like the Message. Your church has a particular niche to fill, and you can’t appeal to everyone -- it’s just impossible to reach the engineer and the artist with the same slogan and the octogenarian isn't interested in pizza night or the whitewater rafting trip either.

The church across town or down the street isn’t your competition, quit judging them and be happy for them. Don’t question their motives or methods, and please don’t be jealous of whatever accomplishments they are experiencing. The bedrock reality is, we are all on the same team no matter what size church we attend. We should celebrate any healthy growth another congregation in our community experiences. So embrace your roll in the Kingdom, you have your own field to labor in, and God has you right where He planted you for a reason.

Not everyone is smiling with you, but those who do count most

I can't believe it took me nearly 50 years to figure this out, but not everyone will celebrate your accomplishments with you.  In fact, some of the people you spend quite a lot of time with will take offense at your progress and they actually would like to hold you back.  Therefore, limit your exposure to those who don't want you to shine too brightly.

Unfortunately, not everyone is happy for you when you strive to improve yourself or your station in life, they can even get jealous or become envious.  Therefore, don't let the limitations others impose on you determine your goals, dreams, or ambitions.

Sadly, some people will distance themselves from you or become cold when you begin to advance yourself.  Not everyone thinks you should make your life better or that you should reach your goals.  Therefore, don't let others articulate for you what success is or dictate to you what's fair.

I'm blessed to enjoy the love & support of a great wife, I have the respect & encouragement of our sons, and we have some pretty solid rock'n friends who stand behind us.  Be cautious and selective with who you share life with, who you let your guard down with, and who's perspectives you embrace.