September 5: Of the Difference Between Socialism and Christian Generosity

Ecclesiastes 10:1-12:14

2 Corinthians 8:1-15

Psalm 49:1-20

Proverbs 22:20-21

One of the growing debates in the US as we approach the elections in November is the one between capitalism and socialism.  One of the arguments made in favor of socialism is that it is what Jesus would want - "sharing with the poor".  I disagree.  Socialism demands people give what they have due to an external imposition.  In today's New Testament reading, Paul explains that what the Lord asks is even more powerful.  

The spirit of giving Paul describes emanates from an internal compulsion, so much so that, referring to the Macedonian churches, "in the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity…they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability."

This compulsion does not come from outside of us.  Paul makes clear he is "not commanding" the Corinthians, but points out the earnestness of others in following the example of our Lord.  He talks about willingness - not command - that makes the gift acceptable.  Again, not an external imposition, but an internal compulsion.  

But where does that internal compulsion to give come from?  Isn't man inherently selfish?  Perhaps.  But I believe man experiences joy when benefiting from someone else's generosity, and right next to the selfishness in us is a desire to cause that same joy we experience to someone else.  So when we receive, and experience joy, we desire to pass it on.

And we HAVE been given - priceless, unattainable gifts of grace and mercy.  As Paul puts it, we know "the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for [our] sake He became poor…".  Jesus gave us His all.  And it is because of His giving we have in us the seed for this internal compulsion to give, even in poverty, in hardship and uncertainty.  

Father, Jesus's sacrifice has planted the seeds of our own generosity.  Nurture that seed that it grows and bears fruit, that we might give as we have been given.  In Jesus's name we pray.