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spencer2
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How do we as Christians who save money for our retirement and old age respond to this teaching?
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R
Robbinson
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I believe this teaching is one of priority - its not a prohibition against saving (in fact, the story of Joseph in Egypt and saving in years of plenty against the future years of famine teaches the prudence of saving). Rather this is teaching us not to focus on material things in this word to the exclusion of, or as a priority over, our future riches in heaven which are eternal life.How do we as Christians who save money for our retirement and old age respond to this teaching?
This teaching was in sharp contrast to the understanding of the Pharisees at the time that earthly success was a sign of God’s favor (and misfortune was a sign of sin - ala, the discussion in the book of Job).
So - save for retirement - but focus on God and put God first in your/our life.
Blessings,
Brian
M
melchesidechpio
Guest
Ver. 20. By doing good works, distributing your superfluities to the indigent. (Haydock)How do we as Christians who save money for our retirement and old age respond to this teaching?
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zgraf
Guest
I think God wants us to sweat a little over this. These are very hard words,
and there is no easy answer. The parable about the rich young man appearing in Mt. 19:25 is even more direct:
Jesus said to him, “If you wish to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”
If we want to be perfect, it’s clear how we must handle money and possessions. There’s no getting around it, if we’re to stay true to the words of Jesus.
However, that being said, if we can’t measure up, maybe we should change our outlook a little. For me, I like to imagine that God gives tests like some teachers I had in hi-school and college. A 100% test grade may be too much for me to aspire to – leave that to a saint. But God may end up grading on a curve. And if worst comes to worst, I know that 80% or 90% is probably good enough to pass the class…
and there is no easy answer. The parable about the rich young man appearing in Mt. 19:25 is even more direct:
Jesus said to him, “If you wish to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”
If we want to be perfect, it’s clear how we must handle money and possessions. There’s no getting around it, if we’re to stay true to the words of Jesus.
However, that being said, if we can’t measure up, maybe we should change our outlook a little. For me, I like to imagine that God gives tests like some teachers I had in hi-school and college. A 100% test grade may be too much for me to aspire to – leave that to a saint. But God may end up grading on a curve. And if worst comes to worst, I know that 80% or 90% is probably good enough to pass the class…
B
Big_Dummy
Guest
Jesus Saves, Moses Invests
We can do both.
We can do both.
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