Thought for the week

‘Sell your possessions and give alms. Make purses for yourselves that do not wear out, an unfailing treasure in heaven, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.’ ( Luke 12.33- 34)

REALLY? Yes, really. Why aren’t there headlines about people avoiding or sidestepping this instruction? Perhaps because it’s harder for the majority of people than the ideas of morality more commonly associated with religion?

I know I’m not the only one who isn’t obeying it to the letter. Don’t get me wrong – I give money to charity, which is the modern understanding of giving alms. Many people give to charity in some way. Sometimes it’s those with the least who are most generous proportionally.

But still most people in developed countries have more possessions than are strictly necessary. We may not buy huge amounts but it still accumulates. ‘ Waste not, want not’ may make us reluctant to get rid of too much in case it might come in useful in the future. ‘ Make do and mend’ is back in fashion. Recycling and upcycling are becoming more normal. So at least there’s an awareness of the issues.

So many people have no choice. Whatever our beliefs, those of us with choice need to consider how what we own can be used to make the world a better place. It would be good to see the many readings about money and possessions being taken at least as seriously as any other parts of the Bible.