The Church Has Followed Our Society Model

In most conversations amongst believers, the discussion of the world's influence in the church is a foregone conclusion.  What I hadn't really considered before, is that the interactive workings of "the recognized body" exactly replicates the culture of the nation, specifically the economy.  We of course, have the big names with big bucks, but there is also a large crowd of folk who choose their rather "meager lifestyle" while saying G-d provides, but interestingly manage to position themselves in a rather giving group of folk, and have no qualms about making their "needs" and challenges known.

So we've got the top tier telling us to send money for the cause, very much like taxation.  Even in the churches that preach "the law was nailed to the cross," well, all but tithing!  I'm not against a preacher living a comfortable lifestyle if YHWH blesses him with earthly wealth, but if he's a shepherd and his sheep aren't living in the same lifestyle, then either he's a fat shepherd referenced in Ezekiel 34, or his congregation is living in disobedience which should be addressed, or he's fleecing the flock.  The big name preachers really do seem very similar to politicians or celebrities, with their appearance of keeping the right people happy, their distant in-approachability . . . and their bodyguards.

And we've got  a complete tier of folk who have their good intentioned "needs" to contribute.  They speak of the provision of YHWH, but many live an impoverished lifestyle by the choices they make, while receiving the generosity of others.  I knew a woman who was always seeking assistance, usually financial for herself or one of her grown kids.  She always had advice or judgment for others, but she and her family remained in constant need . . .  She literally would have to make the "rounds" as her needs were many and apparently perpetual.  Unlike the government, that records all the handouts, those in religious circles tend to not share their personal contributions to these needs, as that would be boasting or gossip, and so it continues.  I've seen people who fall on hard times and appreciate every bit of assistance in holy stewardship, and I've seen people who receive without Biblical stewardship and need all over again.  There really is a generational welfare system in the body, as well as the government.  The privacy is more protected, but exists, none the less.

 Sadly, there is one more statistical similarity between the body and society.  Just like the present society, the middle tier with real jobs is dwindling and their own living expenses are increasing, while still supporting the upper tier and supplying the ever expanding lower income tier.  Keep in mind, what's collected in the offering plate is also earmarked to keep the lights on and the roof overhead.   I've met some of the big names and read a few of their books, but that was many years ago.  The new pop culture of positive spirituality is a frightening mix of holy with profane, and as for helping those in need . . . I give as Abba lays situations on my heart, then if the same needs continue to arise, I stop at the second mile.  I also consider lifestyle choices when praying about needs.  Falling on hard times is a much different situation than perpetual mismanagement.  Sometimes money management tips and work ethic assistance are a better offering than money.

It's not a sin to be rich, and the poor will always be with us . . . but many are poor by choice and a number of the religious rich are not exactly spending the money on furthering the gospel . . .