Apr 6, 2011

I’m grateful to Michael Kelley for pointing out a lively discussion that happened last week in The Elephant Room. The ER was a live simulcast discussion between seven influential pastors about current issues affecting the church and included Mark Driscoll, James MacDonald, Steven Furtick, David Platt, Matt Chandler, Greg Laurie, and Perry Noble.

The particular discussion that intrigues me is the issue that Platt and MacDonald went toe-to-toe over. Simply put, how should Christians who live in a land of abundance respond to world need? The underlying focal points revolve around what Platt describes as “radical generosity” and what MacDonald says is the need to avoid equating poverty with spirituality.

I reviewed Platt’s best-selling book Radical soon after it came out, and I noted in that review:

While I was challenged by the book, I think that it also needs the balanced corrective of Godâ€™s deep and majestic love for His people. Platt comes across many times as simplyâ€¦ angry. The book seems to need a great dose of the joy and love of God.

MacDonald counters Platt’s urgency of radical sacrifice with the need to enjoy God’s good gifts to us. There’s a very real sense that in disdaining wealth and urging sacrifice that we forget that gifts are given to be enjoyed, according to MacDonald.

Trevin Wax identifies the three major points on which Platt and MacDonald are in agreement and has an excellent entry on the ER discussion between the two.

Money and possessions are a good gift from God.
Money and possessions can become idolatrous.
We are called to exercise stewardship of our finances in a way that pleases the Lord and furthers the spread of His name.

I am a great respecter of David Platt and his deeply biblical teaching ministry. I’ve had the joy and privilege of having a personal conversation with him a few years ago after he spoke at a collegiate conference and was refreshed by his focus and intensity to proclaim the Gospel to all nations.

While I don’t know James MacDonald very well, his position on this issue may be closer to my own. However, in reality, there may not need to be disagreement on either side if those who follow Christ can prioritize obedience to the gospel while at the same time demonstrating humility, thanksgiving and generosity in the midst of blessing.

I’m definitely interested in getting the source materials from this discussion as I believe it will lead to a deeper and more joyful practice of how Christians should handle, give and live with their money. I’m hopeful that the attention this discussion provides will help more Christians move away from rigorous financial management principles and move toward joyful whole-life stewardship.

On this day...

whimzie April 6, 2011 at 6:49 pm

Thanks for bringing this to our attention, Jeff. This is something I’ve been chewing on myself lately. After I get the kids in bed tonight I’m going to read Trevin Wax’s post and click on the source material link.

The Bible is clear that we are to take care of the least of these and that God’s people are to about justice and mercy and I love seeing the Church be the hands and feet of God in our broken world. Perhaps my judgment is wrong, but it just seems, however, that in some cases our works are our badge of righteousness. I’m still chewing on it.

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Phillip Slaughter April 7, 2011 at 1:55 am

I sometimes find myself teetering back and forth on some issues; this is one of those issues. God calls all Christians to practice wise stewardship joyfully. He does not call all Christians to sell all their possessions, and give the proceeds to the poor. I think sometimes we hold others to the convictions that God meant specifically for us. We judge people who do not live up to our standards, but who sets the standards?

I think most of us should probably give more. Christ reminded His followers often to give more in different areas of life. I do not remember Him ever telling His disciples to give less of themselves. With that said… I also think we should examine our reasons for giving. Our main purpose should be to glorify God. Alleviating suffering is nice, but there will always be more suffering. Giving should be performed secretly and out of love for God and others.

I benefit from Platt’s teaching, and enjoy it. However, as much as I liked Radical, even Platt struggles to identify the balance of blessings and extravagances. Obviously, as a stereotype, Americans are selfish and weak stewards. We must do a better job of loving the poor. How much should we sacrifice (financially)? I believe if we follow hard after God, then He will make that clear.

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Jeff April 9, 2011 at 9:18 pm

I agree with give more. For sure.
I also agree that we all tend to judge others from our own position of spirituality and conviction.

I’m hoping that this dialogue will encourage us all to reassess what is being taught about this area of stewardship, sacrifice, generosity and joy and evaluate from a less passionate perspective. Not that we shouldn’t be wholehearted in our obedience, but many times great orators and writers can elicit motivations from us that may not necessarily be sustainable or scriptural (even when they use scripture.)

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Notes from the Trail
The Personal Blog of Jeff Noble
Info: From the misty hills of Virginia, "Notes from the Trail" seeks to encourage you on your journey. Written by a graphic designer-pastor, this blog is a blend of humor, insight, and faith discovery.

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