The Peril of Prosperity

“A pig is most vulnerable when it’s fat.”

​The Dow Jones industrial average recently topped 26,000 for the first time ever, just seven trading days after it blew past 25,000.  The run between 1,000 point milestones was easily the fastest in the index’s 121-year history. 

We live in a time of growing economic optimism.  A new tax overhaul.  Low unemployment.  Incredible stock market growth.  I'm pleased with my IRA statements.  At the same time, there’s something perilous about the prosperous state of affairs. 

I have been convicted by the prophets as of late.  Our biblical history reminds us that prosperity can veil reality.  Coin and currency are cribs from which the pagan gods of pleasure and power are born.  The idols take new forms, but they still beckon us to worship at their altar in our modern times.

The prophetic tradition shows us that prosperity has a tendency to veil injustice and licentiousness.  Wealth becomes justification for unjust means.  “As long as I’m financially secure.”

A superficial shine conceals pollution below. 
Contentment becomes complacency.
Security turns to selfishness.
Financial certainty forges a lack of faith.
 
“Daily bread” is what we are taught to pray for.  "Daily" implies "enough."  All that we need for a day.  Not too little – for sure.  But also, not too much. 

When our pockets are filled with plenty,
When we are blessed beyond measure,
When our prosperity grows to abundance,
 
May we have the courage to give it away.  

“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”  - Jesus

Proverbs 11:28
Ecclesiastes 5:10
Jeremiah 9:23
Amos 2:6
Matthew 6:21,24,33; 13:22
I Timothy 6:10
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