ECadmin 11 May 2009 Christ-onomics, Featured 1,982 views One Comment Print This Post  Email This Post

I’ve had a lot of time to think about economics lately. How as Christians we have a responsibility to help the least of these. Whether that is orphans in our communities, widows down the street, or the homeless on the margins of society. The questions of how to help the least of these becomes a definitive obstacle to many Christians. I want to make a few things very clear.

1. The orphan does not want to be an orphan
2. The widow does not want to be alone
3. The homeless man does not want to be without a home

I’d love to put together an eloquent piece about my plight, my struggle, my frustration. But truthfully what’s been said by others is much clearer than what is in my head. The simple economics of Christianity is clear to me after spending 8 months being homeless. Before when I was wealthy I didn’t need God. I didn’t need a deep faith in Jesus. I had less compassion. Today I am more wealthy than ever before. Spiritually I’m slowly working my way back into the fold. God is still working on my calloused heart and mind. And yet I can’t say I’m poor, even though some might think i am.  I am still one of the 15% of the richest men on the planet according to the Global Rich List. Maybe I still have something to learn about sharing with those who are poorer and more destitute before God removes me from this current situation. Possibly this is my calling and I have something to learn about being content in all things. I don’t like sleeping outside. Last night I slept in a stairwell. It was not comfortable. It was a clear reminder though that I can never take for granted that which can be so easily taken away.

Shane Claiborne has been a huge inspiration to me since I’ve been homeless. Here are a few of my favorite quotes.

“And I think that’s what our world is desperately in need of – lovers, people who are building deep, genuine relationships with fellow strugglers along the way, and who actually know the faces of the people behind the issues they are concerned about.” ~ Shane Claiborne

“We do need to be born again, since Jesus said that to a guy named Nicodemus. But if you tell me I have to be born again to enter the Kingdom of God, I can tell you that you have to sell everything you have and give it to the poor, because Jesus said that to one guy, too. But I guess that’s why God invented highlighters, so we can highlight the parts we like and ignore the rest.” ~ Shane Claiborne

I think there’s this concept here in America that we need to be live a certain way. But in reality Jesus told us the same thing. We need to live a certain way and its not compatible with this world. If we choose to build our homes here in this world according to the ways of those who live around us that’s going to be our reward. That’s it. But if we choose to lay down our lives for our brothers and truly change the way we live, sell everything we have, drastically alter the way we think about the Economics of Jesus and those who are at the margins of society. Can you really say you follow Jesus if you plan to pick and choose which parts of his life you want to follow?  Jesus was constantly talking about money and economics because it played, and still plays such a huge role in the failed society we live in. Ignoring the Economics of Jesus in order to accept the Salvation of Jesus is absurd. Accepting the Mercy and Grace of Jesus while having no mercy for those who have less than you is likewise impossible.

Where is the Good News?
We talk about evangelism. Good news. And the Church is supposed to be the good news to the world. But I don’t really understand it. I wonder where it is? I’m slowly beginning to realize the way of Jesus is ridiculously narrow. I truly do not know if I am able to bear my own cross and pass through it. I used to think all Christianity and following Jesus meant was accepting Jesus as my saviour and becoming a member of a Church. Later I realized Church was about being Church, not going to Church. Lately I’m on a whole different path. That being a Christian isn’t about being a Churchgoer or being in Community, but truly being a Follower of Jesus. Taking his life, and his path literally. Being Jesus. I’m full of doubt about whether I truly have the strength to do this on my own. To truly renounce the ways of this world, the comforts of this world, the systems of this world, the lies of this world, the lusts of this world, and the comforts of this world in order to walk closer to God to understand God. But being homeless, stripped of my dignity,my security, my comforts has actually made it easier.

Sometimes I wish however that there were more people who could walk alongside me and say I understand you. I love you. Let’s walk together. The road is bitter lonely. Sometimes I sleep at friends’ houses, sometimes I sleep on the side of the road, other times in dark stairwells. And almost nightly He’s there with me to wipe the tears out of my eyes, and remind me that I should always seek another country.

When I’m hungry he reminds me there’s someone else who likewise is more hungry than me. And that I should hunger and thirst for another country,another home that is greater than this one. Later when my heart is right he always provides for me and comforts me.

When I’m lonely he reminds me that He too was lonely, and in his greatest need, in his greatest hour I like his disciples would have fallen asleep. Then he reminds that he is different and sends someone to warm my heart. God is a god of compassion.

Homelessness, Orphans, and Widows are all messengers, and reminders that we have something to learn. They are messengers, angels sent to remind us that the Way of this World is broken. They tug at our heart strings but we are often too quick to judge, too quick to brush off. Just like so many brushed off another homeless man over 2000 years ago in Jerusalem.

The Way of Jesus is simple. Love your neighbor as yourself. Love God with your whole heart,mind and soul. Where is your security? Is it in the broken Way of This World? The safety of your wealth. I know mine was. Is it your health? Is your skills or your mind? I know I thought I was hot stuff. God took it all away. And I was left with nothing but realizing that it was the simple Way of Jesus that would save me, would comfort me, that would heal me, that would give me rest.

The real question is Are you ready to make the sacrifices needed in order to learn to love your neighbor?

Your neighbors are the 16k+ Children Who Starve Every Single Day. Your neighbors are the millions of orphans who lack parents around the globe who will starve,be neglected or sold into slavery. Your neighbors are the 15k homeless men,women, and children who sleep in canyons, beaches, sidewalks, stairways, and alleys throughout the greater San Diego Area. Your neighbors are the slaves who are bought and sold right here in San Diego County.  I reiterate this. God calls all to live his way. And his way is truly simple.

Love Your Neighbor As Yourself, and Love God with Your Whole Heart Soul and Mind. And Remain Uncorrupted From The Way of This World.

Not all are called to sell everything and give to the poor. Not all are called to be wealthy. Not all are called to be prosperous. But all are called to love. Whether that’s rescuing slaves, aiding orphans in their distress, or offering a room,a porch, or a meal to a homeless man who just needs some interaction and a reminder that Jesus will soon return to take away all these burdens.

I’ve been homeless 8 months and I’m tired of it. I’m seeking a better country. But if I remain behind maybe just maybe I can be of good aid to those who are worse off than I am. Those who suffer greater burdens. Maybe I can point them to that country that I’m dearly waiting to cross over into…

Photo: “Heaven” by Specter