Re: Prosperity

From: Iain Strachan (iain.strachan.asa@ntlworld.com)
Date: Mon Jun 30 2003 - 19:02:04 EDT

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    BlankDebbie,

    It's not a question of condemning prosperity. What comes to mind is Philippians 4:12, which the Ben Okri poem also reminds me of:

    Paul writes:

    "I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well-fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want".

    The point (to me) is that it is the inner contentment that surely is what shines out and attracts people; to make them say "what's different about you?", and not the material trappings of success. It is the light of Christ that shines out of you that is what attracts.

    And likewise the words of the Okri poem "We bless things even in our pain. We bless them in silence" are a challenge to me as a prosperous westerner. How often do I curse the computer when Microsoft Word crashes and loses me half-an-hours' careful work? Or moan with the rest of my colleagues at the senior management of the firm that pays my pretty good salary? I need to learn better to be content with what I have, to be a better witness to those around me. I'm not saying it would be easier if I didn't have the wealth; just that wealth is not the issue, which seems to me to be what Paul is saying.

    ------------------------------------------------------------------
    --- I.G.D. Strachan
    --------------------------------------------------------------------
      ----- Original Message -----
      From: Debbie Mann
      To: Asa
      Sent: Monday, June 30, 2003 6:13 PM
      Subject: Prosperity

      Those of you who condemn prosperity - just how prosperous are you? I see professors and researchers. Personally, I consider prosperity to be having all of ones needs and some of ones wants met. In this country, I would consider an income in the mid to high five figures to be prosperous - which is where I would suppose most of you are. Do you condemn your own way of life? Do you give away half of your income?

      Debbie Mann, PE
      Debbie Mann Consulting
      (765)477-1776


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