I’d like to interact with you on a few questions related to wealth and poverty. These are simply meant to be conversation starters, so pick one or two and let’s edify each other.
1. Should we view poverty/affluence from a global, national, or local standard? Why?
2. Is there such a thing as “working class” poverty in America?
3. Would you consider yourself rich or poor? Do global economic conditions play a role in your assessment? Should they?
4. Did Jesus imply (through his interaction with the rich man) that we should be willing to give up everything to follow Him, or that we should actually give up everything to follow him? Was this an isolated case directed specifically at people who love their wealth?
5. Is it OK to enjoy wealth and blessing from God? Is it more than OK? Why? (You can find Pastor Green’s take in his recent post.)
6. Does stewardship play a role in how we view our wealth or poverty?
I’ve included some passages below that speak to some of these questions to kind of get the juices flowing.
- Mark 10:17-27
- Matthew 8:19-20
- Ecclesiastes 10:19
- Matthew 25:14-30
- Proverbs 3:9-10
- Psalm 112:1-3
