Materialism
- The God of This World
(Editorial - November 2004)
An appeal has gone out from
the CBMA on behalf of our brothers and sisters in the Caribbean. Much
devastation has been wreaked this year by hurricanes, particularly by
hurricane Ivan, in that area. The appeal set us to thinking as to how
we’re doing here in the North American ecclesias in respect to the
allocation of our resources.
Several millions available
Working from recent address lists, there are approximately 4,500 baptized
brothers and sisters in the North American Central Fellowship, with about
3,100 being in the States and 1,400 in Canada. From our own rather extensive
knowledge of the community, we estimate that we have less than the average
of both the very poor and very rich, so the national averages for per
capita income apply reasonably well to our community. Using figures of
$32,000 per capita income for the States and $24,000 as the income per
person per year for Canada (these numbers are lower than currently published
figures), our total community income would come out at about $133,000,000
US dollars per year. This is a very conservative figure, as the per capita
numbers are for every man, woman and child, not just adults, so a more
accurate figure would multiply the per capita income by the total number
of our children as well as baptized adults.
Given that there are about 140 ecclesias in North America averaging 32
members each, we will allow that each ecclesia takes about $30,000 per
year for its operations. That estimate will obviously be too high for
those ecclesias which, for example, number less than 10 members and too
low for others, especially if we are paying off a building, have heavy
welfare needs or are very active in preaching work. But if we’ll
accept that figure as an average, we then need about $4,200,000 per year
for ecclesial operations. This, by the way, is an exceedingly low number
relative to the churches around us because we have modest accommodations
and a totally lay ministry. Our running expenses are low.
If we allowed 10% of our $133,000,000 total community income as being
available for ecclesial and charitable purposes, that would be $13,300,000.
If $4,200,000 goes for operating expenses we would have some $9,100,000
available for special needs, such as the Caribbean relief appeal. Of course,
we don’t have any community rule about giving 10% of our gross income
(as do many of the religious groups around us), nor do we generally mention
such a target to our membership. To do so would be considered seeking
justification through the works of the flesh rather than on the basis
of our faith in the grace of God. And we’d certainly explain our
position to any who ask as a no-worry situation because faith is more
generous than flesh – isn’t it?
Where is all the money going?
Virtually every one of us is exposed to ecclesial financial statements,
and those from the CBMA and perhaps other Christadelphian organizations.
We know that we’re not putting anything close to 10% of our gross
income into ecclesial activities. Some individuals may be, and some may
be doing substantially more, but on average it’s not happening.
Where is our money going?
Could it be that the great god of Materialism is taking far more than
it should?
As most of us know, the North American economy can be fatal for the undisciplined
spender. There is a vast array of consumer goods competing for our dollar.
With interest rates low and heavy discounts being offered, there is also
a great temptation to extend ourselves on the big ticket purchases of
houses, cars and furniture. And then there are the fun items of electronic
devices, snow mobiles, motorcycles, ski boats, vacations, and cruises
presenting such enticing promise of fun and relaxation. It’s no
wonder so many of the people around us are encumbered with huge debt and
live month to month even though they have ample family income. What we
all require is discipline to allocate the resources God has given us so
we have to give to him that is in need.
Covetousness is idolatry
This is a serious spiritual issue. We are told that we must “put
on the new man which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.”
One of the specific instructions to this new man is, “Let him
that stole steal no more: but rather let him labor, working with his hands
the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.”
(Eph. 4:24,28). In our baptismal addresses, we consistently point out
we’re being raised to a new life in Christ, and none of us would
ever think of trying to justify stealing. What we are called to, however,
is more than just avoiding theft. Instead of selfishly taking what is
another’s and appropriating it to ourselves, we are instructed to
selflessly take what is ours and give it to others. We can’t do
that if we’re spending everything on ourselves.
We’re also warned to put away “covetousness, which is
idolatry” and are told “having food and raiment let
us be therewith content” (Col. 3:3; I Tim. 6:8). It’s
hard to be content when new technological advances keep being made. The
wonderful effect of surround sound and the great clarity of high definition
TV are appealing to the senses. But every item costs money and the great
problem faced is that the American consumer keeps grasping for one more
thing. Interestingly, the very Greek word used for “covetousness”
in this verse means “a grasping temper, greediness,”
which exactly expresses the mind set which can’t be satisfied with
what one has.
The Lord says that this is “idolatry.” When we’re
being greedy for more things, the Lord considers we’re worshipping
another god than Him. We’d all agree we must not practice idolatry.
So let’s not do it.
Discipline should be easy for us
Harkening back to our fundamentals, we’d all say we put to death
the old man in baptism and have taken up a new life of following Christ.
We speak of taking up our cross daily and following his example of service
and self-sacrifice. If we’re living our credo, we should be practiced
at denying the urgings of our flesh to immorality, cruelty, temper, and
hatred. Therefore the self-discipline required to control our spending
should be easy. It should be, shouldn’t it?
Maybe we ought to use this rather measurable guide of how we use our resources
as a test of how we’re doing in our overall task of discipleship.
Learning from others
Because our minds have been opened to the truth of the gospel, we’re
accustomed to being teachers of those around us in matters religious.
We realize, as well, that we should teach not only by word but also by
who we are and what we do. Yet when it comes to the allocation of our
resources, it would appear we can learn from some in other communities.
We’re not advocating that we start tithing as a community practice,
but we are advocating that we act with discipline in our expenditures
so that we have plenty to give when there is a need. God has given us
ample to do His service. We need to make sure we are serving Him with
our resources which God has so abundantly provided.
Don Styles