A Statistical Analysis of Greed

READ: 1 Timothy 6:3-10

I’ve seen many Christian discussions of greed derailed by a prevailing tendency among us to define the rich as only those who have more money than ourselves, thereby absolving everyone but Jeff Bezos of this terrible sin of greed. 

Perhaps a more rational approach to defining greed would be a statistical analysis of how much wealth we have hoarded for ourselves compared to national medians, so I present the following chart which divides US households into five equal segments and presents the median net worth of each. (Net worth is the sum of home equity, savings, investments, etc; not annual income). Let’s define the segments as follows: really poor (red), poor (green), average (purple), rich (blue), really rich (orange). Find yourself on the chart.

Ok, now find where you would like to be on the chart.

If you would like to be in the orange or blue bar, you have a problem with greed. You wish to have significantly more wealth than the average American, perhaps even feel you need significantly more wealth than the average American. Your self-worth might be tied at least in part to your wealth, and you are in danger, according to Paul, of falling into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction.

Take it from me. I came to Christ as someone living in the orange bar and thirsting for greater wealth than what was even on the chart. The Lord confronted me with my sin by taking a lot of my wealth away, which at first seemed a curse but eventually proved a blessing as God developed in me the sense of godliness with contentment that Paul calls great gain.

Do you have food and clothing? Do you have the Spirit of God? If yes, then you have all you need.

*Chart taken from the U.S. Census Bureau, Survey of Income and Program Participation, 2008 Panel, Wave 10 - released in 2013 and dated as 2011

Anonymous Generosity

"They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need." (Acts 2:45)

Was there a time in your life when you were unsure how to pay all those bills? Have you ever been on the receiving end of someone's generosity? Do you know how humbling and how precious it is at the same time? Humbling, because someone cared enough to help. Humbling also because someone noticed your struggle and answered God’s call when you were placed on their heart.

Precious because this gift you were given came from a place of love and concern. Many years ago, I was on the receiving end of the generosity of several people; most of whom remained anonymous. Every time these gifts arrived, it was as though I could feel God taking care of me, providing for me through the Body of Christ. I never asked for the help, but God provided just the same.

By not asking for help, I was robbing people of the opportunity to come alongside me. But that is where humility and pride come in to play. I didn’t want anyone to know of my need, but God knew and He took it from there.

I am convicted to help some folks who are in similar situations to mine. I listened to the message today and recognized God’s prompting, He’s cheering me on to act.

I still don’t have a lot, but I know that I am rich. Rich in so many ways. I am going to step-up and join the ranks of those who modeled generosity for me. Won’t you consider doing the same? It will change their life, and yours as well.

Thank you Jesus, for all the worldly blessing you have provided. Show me how to use them wisely and to help someone with my generosity.  Amen

Acts 2:42-47