If you live in the USA, chances are you're probably rich.

Check out www.globalrichlist.com

If you make $47,500 (US) than you are in the TOP 1% richest people in the world!  Let's face it, most of us are filthy rich! For way too long I've thought that when the Bible gives warnings to the rich it was for people that made a lot more money than I do. The fact is, I'm ridiculously wealthy by world standards.

"From the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked." - Luke 12:48


It's so easy to point out the greed of the Wall Street fat cats, and most of them are greedy bastards individuals, But what about those of us middle class church going folks that claim to be Christ followers?  Most of us are still in the top 1% richest people on the planet.  Is it really the Jesus Way to give our 10% and do what we want with the rest?
I think of Zacchaeus who after coming to know Christ, gave 50% of his wealth away and paid back 4x what he had cheated people. Generous giving flowed from his changed heart. The early church in the book of Acts sold property and houses and gave to those in need. Again, extremely generous giving seems to be the norm for those who know Jesus. To my knowledge, there is not even a mention of a tithe in the new testament. Only verses about generosity and being a cheerful giver and the like.


So, what does a Christ follower who is in the top 1% of income earners do with his wealth? Live in a nice house? Have nice cars? Put lots of money into retirement? Have lots of toys? Go on lots of vacations? And give 10% to his church?


These are the things that we as a family are wrestling with as we ask ourselves what it means to "spend ourselves in behalf of the hungry" as we're exhorted to do in scripture. (Isaiah 58:10) 


To be honest I see some more significant lifestyle changes coming our way.  I'm praying that we do nothing more than simply follow Jesus, the Jesus Way.