Mitey Wealthy

Some of the wealthiest people have become wealthy by being beggars. Their work is taking “widows’ mites” and promising that their supporters will get money for giving money. Frequently the same people who purchase lottery tickets send money to these hawkers, hoping to win big with God.

To untwist some of their quotes of Jesus and Paul, I suggest that “giving” is an important part of the process they described in Scriptures. Giving so that I get is not giving. It is investing in my future. When I give a credit union some money, I have no intention of “giving” them anything. I am using some of my money to get more money. That is the same way the hawkers invite their victims: plant some seed in your yard and go back later and get the return on your investment.

Giving someone something looks more like not inviting anyone to your feast who could later invite you to theirs. It looks like after I give it to you, I no longer have any say or control over it. It became yours. When I give generously, I have created an atmosphere in which my God gives to me later. That includes giving mercy. The concept is easier to see when mercy is the commodity. Forgiveness is also easier to perceive.

When I am generous, I place myself in a position and a condition in which I find much of Yahweh’s generosity. Pressed down and shaken so more fits.