"I do not mean that others should be eased and you burdened, but that as a matter of equality your abundance at the present time should supply their want, so that their abundance may supply your want, that there may be equality. 'The one who gathered much had nothing over, and the one who gathered little had no lack.'" II Corinthians 8:13-15 (Exodus 16:18)
"Now the company of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things which he/she possessed was his/her own, but they had everything in common... There was not a needy one among them, for as many were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of what was sold and laid it at the apostles' feet; and distribution was made to each as any had need." Acts 4:32-35
"Every one to whom much is given, of that one will much be required; and of the one to whom others commit much they will demand the more." Luke 12:48 Jesus
Keeping in mind that this pre-dates communism by 1900 years or so...
I am inspired that the teachings of Jesus were lived so boldly and full-heartedly in the First Century Church, taught by Paul and lived by all. Shared early on was a "Love Feast" Agape Meal, for all who worshiped. If some had food and others did not, those who had it brought it to share. At one point, it was being confused for the Eucharist and was separated to be after the Worship, but at the beginning it was a PART of the worship! I always knew there was something sacramental about potlucks! :-)
Those who have more, give for those who do not have enough. What a different value from "getting more for me and my own." What a difference from "I earned it fair and square.", "Let them get their own", or "I was blessed by God and they were not." The Rich Fool (Luke 12), Dives (Luke 16), the
rich young ruler (Matthew 19) did not "get it." They had great wealth but could not see themselves sharing of it, in Jesus' stories of them. Zacchaeus (Luke 19) got it and was transformed to see a greater value than getting by any means and keeping at any cost. Jesus lifted him up differently.
Perhaps God has blessed those with more in order to help them grow spiritually and in agape love... perhaps because they needed to be tested. Perhaps it is for THEIR benefit that they should give. Perhaps it is THAT which the poor provide for them in abundance - the opportunity to keep Jesus' commandment to love in an unconditional, self-sacrificing way (Agape). I will pray that the wealthy take advantage of those opportunities and share of theirs.
It would hardly even affect their lifestyle for those who make over $250,000 per year to pay all their taxes. It might mean a new car a little less frequently, a new boat a little less frequently, etc... Balancing the budget on the backs of those already poor, instead of taxing the wealthy means A GREAT DEAL to those who already barely have enough or not enough...
If we are Christians, we will value our brother or sister in need above our own abundance, and give of that abundance for their sakes. Perhaps we can appeal to Christian wealthy folks, Christian CEO's and Christian politicians to find that agape love that is COMMANDED by Jesus for them to have, and do the right thing by their sisters and brothers in need. I have taken to writing the White House and Congress almost weekly (not weakly) about just that. Perhaps you could do the same?
We need to help them out here!
Pastor Jamie
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