The Deceitfulness of Wealth

 

We don't have to be Tony Stark to be content.

It's a surprising fact that may be difficult for many Americans to comprehend: earning $30,000 a year places you in the top one percent of wealth globally. Have you ever examined poverty in this country? Most living below the poverty line have a roof over their heads, a good floor in their residence, a car, air conditioning, a large flat-screen TV, cablevision, and many smoke cigarettes. They also have a cell phone with service, gourmet coffees, internet access, and a significant number struggle with obesity.

I am not being an uncompassionate jerk. That is the reality of the poor in this country. The least in wealth live in a way that is the envy of most of the world.  

No wonder people are pouring over the southern border.  If individuals do not grapple with moral dilemmas and possess average intelligence, there are numerous ways for people to get by in this country without ever working for someone else a day in their lives. Yes, this country is that prosperous. Where else in the world can anyone do that?  In a documentary examining panhandlers, a homeless man was seen smiling as he discussed how the town, he lives in has provided well for him. He showed the largesse in his tent. This stunned and fascinated me.  

Now just imagine middle class American schmucks like me. I am a retired public-school teacher and minister, and my wife is a nurse. We reside in an attached townhouse that resembles a spacious motel room. The builders installed a special soundproof middle wall, which is effective as I never hear any noise from the neighbors.  Not even their black lab, Dodger, bark.

We possess everything the impoverished do, and much more, which has rapidly accumulated over the past 30 years. Has it been that long. I own an additional elevated vehicle known as an SUV. My house features an oversized, insulated garage with ample space for my car, a space larger than the homes of many families worldwide, complete with a smooth concrete floor. Additionally, there is a room in our home we seldom use, reserved for the infrequent visitor.

Additionally, we have a dishwasher, various appliances for cooking our food, and an extra freezer to store more provisions. I own a unique bed featuring a gel matrix that provides the sensation of sleeping on a cloud while offering outstanding support.

We're not claiming to have more than any middle-class American our age; in fact, when I retired, we downsized and sold about a quarter of our possessions to move. Indeed, at the time of this writing, family and friends of our age group tend to reside in significantly larger houses with double the garage space. In addition to the two vehicles in their garages, they have extra transportation units parked around their residence or stored elsewhere.

This is where the deception becomes apparent. It's understandable to feel cheated, isn't it? No it's not and we will explore why.  Here's the conundrum.  We read "The Book" that we believe to be the very words from our Creator.  He gives very detailed instructions on how to occupy during this difficult transition period in our lives.

It is evident that those who love Him and decide to embrace His ways should possess a distinctly different outlook on this time and place.  We should take up residence as if we were people from another country, ready to leave at any moment. Also, most importantly, everything belongs to our Creator, and we are but managers.

Let's get goofy with this thought...................

Imagine we travel to Italy and upon arrival, we see that everyone has beautiful apartments, compelling us to get one as well.  Next, people are zipping about on compact motorcycles, so it's off to the bike shop.  

We encounter a man on the street who claims that boats will become unaffordable soon. Off to the boat store we head, to secure one before they're all sold out, as there's apparently a shortage of boats in Italy. Now we are in trouble because we had to take out loans and the bank wants their money back quickly.

Now let's go from goofy to the insane.  We hear a man on the radio who quotes from "The Book" and realizes we are visitors in Italy and instructs us on how to quickly resolve our financial predicament. He advises us to sell the boat and motorcycle within a day. As shelter is a necessity, he suggests trading our upscale apartment for a more modest one.

Then, the radio host suggests that God desires your happiness and wealth, even as you travel abroad. You may have misinterpreted the Master's message; consider pausing your holiday to take up additional work. Indeed, it is His wish for you to become among the wealthiest individuals in Italy! That way we can give generous tips to the locals!! 

What would you say?  What would you do?  Choosing between a boat and motorcycle versus being in debt is an obvious decision. Selling the modest apartment and renting a motel room could be a more efficient use of the Master's finances. And I would ignore the radio personality, not knowing if I ever wanted to return to Italy because the vacation was pretty unpleasant. 

 Upon returning to the USA, one might wonder why they should reflect on being generous to locals in another country. Often, we may want to forget the trip because it's uncomfortable to remember. Isn't that so?

We are misled about wealth. My toilet paper roll is down to a third and depleting fast. Jesus does not mince words when it comes to the pursuit of wealth. He makes it clear that aside from working diligently for our daily necessities and being generous for His sake and our future abode, all else is merely a waste of time.

How did we adopt this misguided mindset? I can't speak for everyone, but growing up, I watched a lot of local television. Saturday morning cartoons and their commercials are particularly memorable. I also cherish memories of holidays, often marked by the excitement of receiving gifts. I once believed the Bible contained only pleasant tales or fables with moral lessons. 

I was convinced that true happiness lay in acquiring the items advertised during those commercials. I thought that if I could drive a car like the ones shown, I'd be content forever. If I owned a house like that, I'd be content forever. If I had a phone like that, or a television with a screen that large, I'd be content forever.

My discovery is that humans have an insatiable appetite for possessions. We often view accumulating material wealth as a significant achievement. However, true satisfaction will elude us until we experience a change of heart.  Diligent study of the scriptures brings this change.  

I have way too much for visiting a foreign land.  My plan is to gradually and intelligently to disperse all I have for my future home.