Before we explore this blind spot more fully, a couple of qualifying points:
First, I am a pastor, not an economist. I am deeply grateful for men and women in the church I pastor and elsewhere who are far wiser than I am in fiscal matters. While I have had intensive discussions with many of them and have researched issues ranging from individual and corporate finances to economic and social structures, the last thing I presume to be is an expert. Nevertheless, as a pastor I need to pose some questions regarding the use of our money that I believe the gospel requires us to ask.
Second, my purpose in this chapter is not to provide an overview of everything the Bible teaches about money and possessions. Of course, important principles are expressed throughout Scripture on the subject. One such principle is that wealth is not inherently evil. Scripture does not condemn riches or possessions in and of themselves. In fact, Scripture teaches that God gives us material resources for our good. In the words of Paul, God “richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.”6 Much error would occur if someone walked away from this chapter thinking that money and possessions are necessarily bad; they are actually good gifts from the hand of God intended for our enjoyment and the spread of his glory.
Since other Bible truths about money and possessions are not fully addressed in this chapter, I have provided an extensive resource of teachings, articles, books, and links regarding a biblical theology of possessions to help place what I do address here in a larger context. These can be found on the Web site that accompanies this book (www.radicalthebook.com). I encourage you to make use of them.
In summary, the purpose of this chapter is simple. My goal is to share with you how God has been opening my eyes to a major blind spot in my life and in the church I lead. In the process I challenge you to consider if it is a blind spot in your life. If it is, then I want to dare you to look across the landscape of starving millions through the eyes of Christ, who “though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.”7 And as you do, I challenge you to let the gospel radically transform the way you understand and use your possessions in our American culture.