When Jesus said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive,' he was not teaching self-denial, but the law of abundance.
Abundance
cannot be acquired, only given. With a mind in
the mode of acquisition, even the wealthiest person feels lack. There is
never enough. But with a mind in the mode of giving, even the poorest
person feels wealthy.
In Third World
cultures of hospitality, the poorest village will throw a feast for a
visiting stranger. Somehow, it is truly a feast, because when everyone
shares, there is plenty. This is the real meaning of Christ's "miracle
of the loaves and fishes." The story is not about supernatural power,
but the miracle of human community.
It's easy to be
liberal when we're being liberal with other
people's money. And it's easy to be conservative when we're conserving
everything for ourselves. But the beloved community is based on mutual
abundance. What is acquired is multiplied by giving. Everyone
participates. Those who do not give do not receive. But to those who
give, more will be given. "Give and it will be given to you." (Luke
6:38)
Economies based on the acquisition of personal wealth are doomed
to failure. Economies based on shared wealth are destined for success.
As we decide which political candidate to support in the coming
election, the rubric is simple: which candidate represents an ethic of
personal acquisition, and which candidate represents an ethic of shared
abundance?
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