By Troy
In the Gospels, Jesus is unanimously portrayed as a person of poverty. From his undignified birth in a manger and to his being born the son of a carpenter, Jesus emerged without any of the world’s riches. Even during his earthly ministry, Jesus had no place to call home.
America stands in sharp contrast to the simple lifestyle of Jesus. Driven by the allure of consumerism, many of us 
drive fancy cars, live in fancy houses, play on our fancy technological toys, wear fancy designer clothing, etc. Ingrained in our brains are the ideas of the ‘American dream’ and the ‘pursuit of happiness,’ which keep us chasing after the world. Money might buy happiness, but it does not buy life (and I mean eternal life).
Throughout his ministry, Jesus frequently associated with the poor. This is especially remarkable in light of the fact that Jews in Jesus’ day understood wealth as evidence of God’s favor and poverty as a sign of God’s curse. Yet Jesus, “who, being in very nature God…made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant” (Phil. 2:6-7). From the beginning, a major part of Jesus’ mission was to proclaim the Good News to the poor: “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.”
I think it’s time we take Jesus’ words seriously. Unless we submit our wealth to the Lord, we will be less effective servants of the Kingdom.
I am equally as guilty. As I write this post, I’m typing on my Apple Macbook. I’m decked out in Nikes and a Blazers jersey. My Blackberry sits in my Jordan shorts as I watch the Blazers beat the Lakers on a large HDTV.
I think many Christians are like the rich young ruler. We go through the motions of Christianity – going to church, living a moral life, maybe even tithing some of our income! – but Jesus says this is not enough: “You still lack one thing. Sell everything you have…Then come, follow me.” Go. Sell your stuff. Then follow me.
Hi Troy,
I agree that there is a stark contrast between Jesus and consumerism and I like your comment that “many Christians are like the rich young ruler.” I have seen to many times people who practice a Christianity that is simply a nice way to live while they continue to pursue a profitable lifestyle. The way of Christ is not something we do alongside our own agendas…it must become our agenda. Jesus challenges our security, our status, and our agendas with His mission.
However, I also agree with Jeff, Poverty is not a command from Christ. The command to the rich young ruler was to remind Him that we receive blessings to be a blessing to others (Gen 12:1-3) and not to store up for ourselves.
Matthew 5:3 as you referred to says “Blessed are the poor in spirit…” If we truly want to enter the kingdom of God we ought not think more highly of ourselves then we ought or think that we have already obtained all this as Paul points out in Phil. 3:12. This is what it means to become like little children (Matt. 18:1-4), not thinking we have reached fullness as the disciples thought, but to be like children who seem unaware of their unlimited potential in Christ.
If God blesses us with wealth and fine things, we must ask ourselves….”How can I put these to use for the Mission of God?” I believe sometimes God gives us position and status to be a witness to others with the same position and status. It is about realizing everything we have is for HIS purpose and not our own. Although, there may be times when giving His blessing to us away, may be His purpose.
For instance…if you were wearing a Lakers Jersey, I’m pretty sure Jesus would want you to sell that. 🙂
Poverty is definitely not a command from Christ. I think Newbigin discussed this in detail in one of our readings. BUT!!! For those called to a life of poverty it is not a punishment.
What are some practical way we can begin living simpler lives?
Would you say that poverty is a command from Jesus, do we all need to “sell everything we have…” and follow Christ?