Comments on: Looking Ahead

By: Christine

Christine — Sun, 12 Aug 2007 03:09:36 +0000

Both the gospel for last Sunday (August 5th) in the lectionary and the reading the previous week at Allan's church were about the rich man whose harvest was too large to store in his barns, and who decided that he could reassure his soul by building a larger barn in which to store his windfall. The point was made that he made no bad decision in rejoicing in the large harvest, and that there is nothing wrong with storing against future need. The problem was that he felt that the large harvest would be sufficient for his needs, and that the good fortune was his alone - that God had no place in it, that no share of it should be given to anyone other than himself.

What we need to guard against is becoming self-centred, which can easily happen when we have a lot. We finally have enough, why would we waste it on others? We don't need God's help anymore, we have everything we need, especially since we aren't about to give any of it away. That is the true danger in storing up wealth. Being industrous and frugal is good (I'm a fan of Proverbs 31 for that idea), being a workaholic and miserly isn't. There is no virtue that cannot be turned to a vice, and the passages you quote are warning against that turning.

By: Papa P

Papa P — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 16:47:05 +0000

Interesting reflections, Michael. You're right that the main concerns in these passages are "moderation, motives and attitudes". The passage in James does not condemn planning or making money or carrying on a business -- rather, the passage rebukes an arrogant attitude of self-sufficiency. I think that is also the main intent of Ps 33:10 -- the terms "nations" and "peoples" in the OT typically refer to those who are not part of God's covenant and who aren't walking with Him.

As for Solomon's remarks in Ecclesiastes, I think he's looking at worldly activity from a different perspective -- we will be miserable if we try to find ultimate meaning in our work because on a cosmic timescale our lives are just a flash in the pan and everything that we make or do will turn to dust -- but that doesn't mean that our work has no value, it's just that we have to find a different yardstick, a different scale of reference with which to measure its worth. For instance, if our work can relieve human starvation -- as Joseph's work did -- that would certainly be worth while, even though the people whose lives were saved by Joseph eventually died anyway.

You're right as well that one of the chief goals of our work should be to earn money to care for our families and to give to the needy (Eph 4:28)

Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

By: Mike Purvis

Mike Purvis — Wed, 08 Aug 2007 12:59:43 +0000

Ah yes, thanks. Updated. I think I still had your old site in my feed reader, and somehow missed the update notice about it having moved. :)

By: bily

bily — Wed, 08 Aug 2007 03:39:48 +0000

btw, if you care to update… my website’s at bilyxiao.com not blogspot anymore =D

By: bily

bily — Wed, 08 Aug 2007 03:38:59 +0000

just finished my devos and randomly decide to flip through some blogs, something I haven't done for ages.

sweet post. I likve how you smoothly weaved in and out of many different passages. "generosity is king"

I've also been reflecting on same or similar passages from James and Ecclesiastes... but in a different light. I've been struck this exam season in a fresh way that we are a "mist"... that it ain't worth it stressing over the "small stuff" (i.e. exams). It is better to just do our best in everything and enjoy our God-given life. Whatever happens from here to there.. God will be in it all.

A man can do nothing better than to eat and drink and find satisfaction in his work. This too, I see, is from the hand of God, for without him, who can eat or find enjoyment? - Eccl 2:24-25

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men... - Col 3:23

have fun with exams =D take it easy