Why are some children born into poverty and some into wealth? The baby has no say in the matter. Furthermore, the wealth of the parents is no indicator of their love or of the child’s happiness in life. There are plenty of stories of abuse across all financial spectrums and plenty of stories of selfless love.

When those of us in comfortable positions look at those in desperation, we are still tempted to ask, “Who sinned, this man or his parents?” (John 9:2) And when those of us in desperate situations see those in ease, we are still tempted to ask, “Why do the wicked prosper?” (Job 21:7)

Perhaps our relative wealth has little to do with our sinfulness or our wickedness, or our righteousness or faith. Perhaps we are only given the answer that Jesus gave his disciples:

Jesus answered, “Neither this man nor his parents sinned; he was born blind so that God’s works might be revealed in him. John 9:3.

Or born wealthy so that God’s works might be revealed. For wealth is not something we are to use for our own benefit but for the benefit of others. We are told to welcome the stranger (Hebrews 13:2). We are told to feed the hungry, cloth the naked, and care for the sick (Matthew 25:25-26). We are warned about amassing treasure on earth (Matthew 6:19).

We are all so guilty of judging others based on their appearances and judging ourselves in the process. We are tempted to use wealth as a measuring stick. We conform to the culture’s concept of success, eager to impress and have others think well of us. Or maybe that is just me. It is a constant battle to not covet financial success.

I have never been wealthy. Nor have I ever been poor. I have always had two coats. Perhaps one of them was for me to give away.

I suspect that whatever financial situation we find ourselves in, God’s call to us is the same.

“Which commandment is the first of all?” Jesus answered, “The first is, ‘Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one; you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ The second is this, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” Mark 12:29-30.

We are not to judge based on wealth or circumstance. Jesus tells us not to judge at all (Matthew 7:1). It’s a tall order. We see an inequity of wealth or circumstance, and we want to ascribe a cause, place blame, or credit. But, perhaps, each of us was born the way we were so that God’s works could be revealed in us. It may involve a healing of our body, a healing of our heart, or a healing of our mind. I suspect that if we all had everything we wanted in life, we would find little need to turn to God.

What do you need today? If you are in a dire situation, I pray God sends you someone to help. If you have plenty, I pray God uses you to help another. That is the body of Christ in action. We show our love of God by loving others.

Beloved, let us love one another, because love is from God; everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God for God is love. 1 John 4:7-8.

We love. No matter what our circumstances may be; no matter what someone else’s circumstances may be. This is how we reveal God’s works.

Love in Christ, Betsy