Christians, Is this the word of Jesus?

Question

I have a friend who has given up everything he has to his faith, He has no internet, no car, no T.V, He basically rides a bike to work, lives in a tiny house and gives more than half of his pay check to people in need or his church. When I asked him why he did this he said Jesus says that you should give up all of your wealth to people who are need. I think this is a beautiful act of kindness and he has helped thousands of people throughout the years and many more to come! My question is why don't the majority of Christians do this? Even the reverend at my friends church has a 6 bedroom house and a new truck every 3 years. Thanks for your answers in advance. If you have any questions you may IM me.

My friend is not poor, he lives comfortably..his comfort seems to be much different from most but he is not living in the street begging for food and money. He has a job and a girlfriend who does the same. They are happy.

Answer 1

Jesus stressed the importance of always placing the Father before anything or anyone else; actually, our "worship" of things or people is idolatry. This is the reason Jesus urged the young ruler to sell everything he had and follow Him (Matthew 19:16-22): although this young man followed the commandments, he wasn't righteous because he placed his belongings and wealth above God.

Each and every Born Again Christian is urged to examine him or herself continuously to ensure our faith is strong. This involves voluntarily ridding our lives of things, behaviors or people that cause us to "stumble," or transgress against God. For a materialistic person like the young ruler, this would be selling everything and helping the poor; for a vain person who essentially worships his or her own body, this would involve a radical shift away from personal attention. What worked for your friend, who realized he was materialistic, won't work for someone else. The Holy Spirit's guideance is different, because we're all different.

The pastor you mentioned may have a problem with materialism, but none of us can rightfully judge this. If he's materialistic, it's between him and the Holy Spirit. However, it may be that you equate wealth with unrighteousness, which is not always the case. Jesus said it's "difficult" for a wealthy person to attain the Kingdom of God, but He didn't say it's "impossible" (Matt. 19:23-24). Again, it all has to do with the importance you place on your wealth.

Peace.

Answer 2

This charitable man probably has more peace in his heart than the pastor with the new truck every three years.

It is not a sin to have a car, internet, or a large house. It's how you use these things that matters. Is the house just to impress your friends or is it needed for a very large family? Is the car flashy and fast or does it just get you to church and work? Do you use the internet to find pornography or to spread the good news?

Answer 3

Your friend is correct in what he does. Unfortunately, the modern church teaches a 'prosperity' message that is more or less against poverty. Many people think that if a Christian isn't prosperous then he must be in a fallen state of sinfulness. Completely in opposition to Christ's teachings and his initial followers.
Many churches will tout the 10% tithe as being a requirement of G-d, but forget the rest of scripture which states that they should empty out their storehouses giving what they have to the poor.

Answer 4

Jesus could look into the hearts of those He spoke/worked with. When approached by the rich young ruler, Jesus told him to do as your friend has. One of the first century churches mentioned that they gave generously to one another. (I don't find the passage right now.) In any case, it is a great gesture on his part but I believe one must decide for him/herself what can be given and do so as GOD has prospered him/her. He certainly sound as if he is a wonderful young man! His story is one to be shared with friends during any time of year but this seems to be a good time to start since families are getting together! Have a great holiday!
Eds

Answer 5

It depends upon the people if you are heart kinded or not. Even what religion you have. You can do this too. But the things that what your friend doing is to follow on what Jesus say . Jesus say" Put your wealth in the heaven bec. no one can touch that , even flies. Also, he remebered and he always put on his mind about the story of the man that he went to Jesus and asked , what should i do to enter Heaven , i already follow the God's commandments. Jesus replied, go give yourwealth to the poor and surely you can enter Heaven but the man walked away sadly. But your friend is different, he faith and devoted with God and he almost nothing left but give to the poor. But please advise him not give too much bec. this will not depend how much you give to the poor but this depends upon the help comes from your heart. God didn't look how much money you give to the poor but he look at how truly you help to the poor by looking at your heart. God knows everyhthing, so we don't have to worry about how much we give. Think about it, God made everyhting so if you became a son or daugther with God so we don't have to worry about all the things bec. God can able to stop and he can able to proceed. In other words, God control except he gives us a freewill and which one would you love to choose. Him or Devil.

Answer 6

When Jesus told the rich young man to give up everything and to follow Him, it was because the rich young man wanted something more than the ordinary to do. Even the rich young man realized he could not do it.
There are many men and women who have given up all to live a simpler life in communities as Religious Nuns, sisters, monks and religious brothers. Some people, like your friend, even chooses to live this way of life on their own, in their own homes. Religious' vow of poverty means that their emphasis is not on material things. They share things in common.
This way of life is a calling. Hopefully your friend spent time discerning and getting advice about his calling before he started it.

Answer 7

Some D.O.Gs have a stronger conviction than others, and some D.O.Gs think this is the way its meant to be, Emanuel was not a poor man financially, some may argue that you cant take it with you but thats not where you need it is it? Shoulda, coulda, woulda exists amongst D.O.Gs as well so to me it seems that conviction is the driving force for the diferrent degrees of action that we D.O.Gs will take.

Answer 8

He is commendable.

Jesus said that because wealth is something a person can be too attached to...putting material things rather than spirituality as top priority could be dangerous....but it does not necessarily mean you really would give away your belongings like that, you still need something for yourself. It is ok if he can balance spirituality.

IS this an example to show that religious leaders do not practice what they preach? just a thought.

Answer 9

the lives of christ and his disciples are the model we should follow. they all lived in moderation with no luxuries and i think we would do well to remember that poverty is a virtue. the newest campaign to "make poverty history" rankles me because we should as a human family, seek to make poverty universal. people who live high off the hog while children go without have much to answer for. as it says in the bible; it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the gates of heaven.
being a reverend doesn;t make you christian or holy
by the way, the word of Jesus would be the words reportedly spoken by him in the new testament. the path of jesus is attempting to find meaning in his life and instruction by following his example. so, no, this is not the word of jesus. it is in the spirit of christ that you seek these answers. god bless

Answer 10

Jesus did not meant in actualality to give ALL your things to the poor, If we did that, Then they become rich & we that are giving becomes poor, Who will help that person then. That verse was taken out of content as many people has try to establish a doctrine by taking something out of Content & not even reading the verses around that one certain verse to get the whole picture of what Jesus said.