Occupiers, 1% and Proverbs 11

Photo by My Pickz

As I read Proverbs 11 this morning, I was struck how the words strike a chord with current events of today, specifically in the age of Occupiers vs. the 1%.  How much would the world be different if parties on both sides followed and lived out this chapter?

"The Lord detests the use of dishonest scales, but he delights in accurate weights."
"Honesty guides good people; dishonesty destroys treacherous people."
1%: You won't be facing criticism of making your money off the backs of the poor and the oppressed and be accused of using fear to get your way.

"Riches won't help on the day of judgement, but right living can save you from death."
1%: What are you doing with your riches?  Are you using it for right living?  You won't be depending on riches for happiness or fulfillment.
Occupiers: Are you aspiring for the riches the 1% has or are you working like an ant?  You won't be depending on riches for happiness or fulfillment.

"Without wise leadership, a nation falls; there is safety in having many advisers."
Occupiers: Does everyone have a voice or should there be a separation of those who are wise and those who should not be listened to?  Wisdom will shine through in interviews and solutions.
1%: Are you a power hungry CEO or do you have many advisers that you listen to and consult to make great policies and lead well?  By garnering the collective wisdom of a team, you will offset your personal weaknesses.

"Evil people get rich for the moment, but the reward of the godly will last."
"Give freely and become more wealthy, be stingy and lose everything."
1%: Who and what are you living for?  Are you leaving a legacy that will help others after you?  The bottom line will no longer just be a personal gain, but a gain for society.
Occupiers: Are you influencing the 1% to live a godly life or are you secretly want to be rich?  Develop a giving attitude early on and you will find it easier to give when you have wealth.

"Trust in your money and down you go!  But the godly flourish like leaves in spring."
All: Are we trusting in money?  Are we thinking that money will solve all our problems?  Are we striving to be more like Jesus?

I am reminded that in writing this that this is just not for two sectors of society - the 1% or the Occupiers, but for all of society - for me.  I believe that if these proverbs are followed, there will be an acceleration of the shrinking gap between rich and poor.   Society as a whole will be caring about the lives of people because they hold onto the sanctity of life.

But it will take more than just living a lifestyle - because it is evident through history that we can not do it with ideals.  This can only happen if we follow Jesus.

There are obvious many more ways to apply these verses - these are just my personal thoughts.  What do you think would the world look like if we applied Proverbs to our lives and followed Jesus' teaching?

About two things...

As I return from 2 and a half months of work related travel, I have decided to focus writing on two things related to work: ministering to the poor and Operations focused on increasing capacity for sharing Christ.

Although this blog does not reflect the opinions of any organizations I am affiliated with, I will write about what I am personally learning or struggling through. I came back from one of the more enjoyable and thought provoking conferences in a long time and I have a lot to ponder about. Forefront in my mind: Gospel Proclamation and Gospel Demonstration.

The Poor

For the past have year, I have been pondering the direction of what I should write on in this blog. On one hand, I don't want to write meaningless dribble for the sake of putting something up on a blog. On the other hand, I do want to continue learning how to write and make my thoughts clear and concise by sharing the faith adventure God has put me in. I think I will continue to blog as God teaches me more about life and what it means to be a Christ-follower.

A theme that has been coming up in my life over the past year is figuring out how I can help the poor as a person and as a follower of Jesus Christ. In addition to getting into a church that has a core value to help the poor in the city, God has opened doors to help the poor overseas through a partnership at work.

As this new chapter unfolds in my life, I'm expecting to be challenged with things that will make me uncomfortable and will force me to be more emotional. I will probably be convicted to change habits and how I spend my resources. Looking forward to it...