wealth is not evil

St John Chrysostom talks to us today about wealth and poverty in A Year with the Church Fathers. He says that neither are intrinsically good or evil. What is good or evil is how we use them.

You might have noticed that people who have plenty of money (but not too much) are usually not that concerned about money. They tend not to be greedy, because they don't have to think about what they always have plenty of. Like a person who has plenty of food doesn't hoard food. A person who always has plenty of fresh water whenever they want it doesn't worry about water.

So you can see that it's possible for the poor to become obsessed with money. Since it's something they lack, it's possible for the poor to become more greedy than the rich. So those in poverty have to be careful not to fall into that trap.

Conversely, the wealthy have to overcome their complacency, into which it is SO EASY to fall, and kindle their concern for those who are in need. As the wealthiest nation in the world, we Americans especially have to remember to keep the poor in mind, and not get so preoccupied with our distractions that we forget about those who need our help.

So whether you find yourself with lots of resources or in a tight place financially, keep God in mind. Give to those who need even more than you do. Don't forget the Lazarus in your life. What we do for him, we do for Him.

God, thanks for the reminders to keep the right perspective in regard to the treasures You give us on earth. Help us to invest them into treasures in heaven.