The Sin of Distraction

A Christian woman in Zimbabwe fervently prays for food to feed her hungry son. A Christian woman in Cincinnati fervently prays for guidance as to which color car to buy. A Christian man in China prays for courage to suffer persecution, while a Christian man in Denver prays for courage to face his boredom.

The main problem with being a Christian living in the United States is that we are blessed to the point of distraction. Most of us either regularly or occasionally thank God that we were born in this land... this country of the very rich, because we are genuinely grateful that we have never known hunger, need, or the point of the sword. But insulation from physical dangers, deprivations, and irritants can manifest itself in a dream-like state that leaves us detached from reality... and walking around as if our existence was about us, our creature comforts, and our little human ambitions. In the history of Christendom has there ever been a more distracted lot?

I believe that this is at least one reason why it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter heaven. (Talk about an "Inconvenient Truth!")

Independence from the stresses of basic survival is indeed a blessing, but it is a gift that perpetuates self-reliance rather than faith, and leads to the gathering of luxuries and the laying up of retirement treasures in a world where physical needs are immediate and plentiful. We develop around us redundant financial safety systems lest a failure leaves us living below the level to which we are accustomed. Portfolio idolatry is a very seductive thing.

I tend to justify my ambitious retirement plan by reasoning that I will be able to help the Church even after I stop working... But it's really about me... It's about my financial security and my standard of living.

We need to remember that being counted among the rich is an awesome and grave responsibility... and a snare. When Jesus talked of judgment he talked of sheep and goats. The former cared for their fellow man. The latter did not.

Now I believe that we rich Christians living in the U.S. are every bit as covered by God's Grace as any persecuted, poor Christian around the world. But our responsibilities are very different. And somehow I feel the forgiving power of God's Grace assumes that, at the very least, He has our attention.

When it comes to "amounts," our time devoted to Him and our giving will be relative and diverse. But regardless of our station, I believe an active (not passive) course must be pursued in both our "seeking" and our "giving," and the latter will be a manifestation, perhaps a measure, of the former. I feel we are called to live simply and humbly so that our lives might be an example and an indication of the importance we place on this finite world as opposed to the "real" world yet to come.

But it all starts with a keen and ever-present awareness of who we are, and to Whom we belong. Our monetary wealth and our amazing wealth of leisure time are historically unique, so perhaps it is critically important to take a few moments and choose which kingdom and which world in which to invest our money, our time, and our attention. Taking stock will most likely leave you feeling very convicted and humbled... which is a very good place to start.