Why don't Christians live a life like Christ?

Question

To have few possessions.

Why save money? Why invest? Why own anything? Jesus didn't do any of that.

Answer 1

There are many who do live this way. I have lived hand-to-mouth most of my 36 years as a Christian because whenever I had extra money, I always knew someone who needed it more than me. I own no real estate or valuables other than some basics like a car (2000 Corolla), bed, recliner, kitchen table & chairs, a computer, a few other light furnishings, books and clothes. I have no problem giving any of it away tomorrow if someone needs it more than me. Also, I might add, I am debt free.

Answer 2

Christians, like all people, are not perfect. I don't know that you could claim that Jesus didn't own anything, but greed and everybody's desires to have more and more physical possessions are definitely on the rise in a big way. The American dream seems to have gone from having a house and a car to having everything one could imagine wanting. The life of Christ isn't portrayed as one where he didn't invest and save money, although I don't know that there was a lot to invest in, in the way that it's done today.

Answer 3

Jesus didn't invest because that's not what He had come to earth for. He was constantly on the move to teach people about the love of God and how the Son of man was going to save the world from death. Jesus doesn't mean for us to not make a living or own anything, he just doesn't want us to be consumed by it.

Answer 4

Because Jesus entire purpose from day one was to go to the cross. What would be the point in having many possessions if you know your about to die? Instead he spent His life pointing us to the Father sense a relationship would be possible after sin was removed. But for us to focus on self-denial is missing the point (all things in moderation – it’s about the heart, not the action) in fact in Colossians 2:18 Paul refers to this type of man as being “puffed up by his fleshly mind . . .” in other words thinking you are holy or good because you choose to live in poverty which is really a big fat ego. And this is one of the men Jesus chose to continue His work so there goals are the same. Good question though one that needs clarification.

So my point is. It’s not so much about how much money or stuff you have. But more about what the focus of your life is, and if all that stuff takes your focus off what is important. Jesus died so we can have a better life. What that is to someone is for them to decide.

Answer 5

Why don't they live like 1st century Jews in Judea under the Roman yoke? I know, I ask that all the time.

"Also where in the bible does Jesus say not to own, save or invest?"

This is really too much. How about:

"Sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me." (Luke 18:22.)

"It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God." (Matthew 19:24.)

"And Jesus went into the temple, and began to cast out them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers." (Mark 11:15.)

"Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?" (Matthew 6:25.)

Are you "Christians" just trying to prove that you know absolutely nothing about your own favorite textbook, yet again?

Or is it just that you're insulated, spoiled, entitled suburban Republicans with nice SUVs who would really hate to have to give all that up just because the Bible categorically says so?

Answer 6

Because in his teaching Jesus told us to do that. For example, he told the story of three men who were all given money to steward for their master. Two of the men invested in, the third did not. When the master returned, he rewarded the one who had invested their money, but exiled the one who had not. Jesus concluded the story by saying that if we are not wise in the handling of worldly riches, then we will not be given heavenly riches to manage. (See Matthew 25 for the story)

So apparently Jesus considered the saving and investing of money to be a virtue.

Answer 7

Jesus didn't own a Buick either. It's a different world today, adapt or die. I'm not a Christian and I'm guessing neither are you. Living like Jesus is too idealistic. You can't expect that of anyone, especially if they live in the North... Jesus never saw snow, or a furnace, he didn't have to worry about hypothermia.

Answer 8

Well, I believe that according to the Bible, each of the 12 apostles and Jesus had trades. Jesus was a carpenter and many of his disciples were fisherman. On top of that, as another person mentioned, Judas was the keeper of the treasury. So there had to be money coming in.

Jesus realized that he still needed material things as well. There are scriptures about Jesus asking his disciples to find him a place to sleep and food to eat. We're also talking about the son of God, who (God) rested on the 7th day.

So, it seems to me that God does care about us having what we need. The Bible also talks about the Talents (Money) and how it was to be put to good use.

So, money is not wrong. It's the LOVE of money. When money and earning money becomes a priority, that's when it's wrong.

Answer 9

Wouldn't that be wonderful. Using what you have to help others instead of hoarding you money and possessions. Imagine if everyone chipped in when they saw the "for the price of a cup of coffee you can feed this child for a month" commercials. To bad reality isn't like that. Too many people disregard (or even change) parts of religion that seem incompatible with current society and their personal wants. Its a flaw with the people, not with the religion.

Answer 10

Havibg these things is NOT a sin and God/Jesus understands that we NEED certain things to live and support ourselves and our families. Its all in how people USE their money and resources and how we GIVE and what money-etc.-does to us and how we change because of it but Christians....REAL Christians...dont care about these things. I could give away everything I own and I would be perfectly happy and at peace because I personally am not materialistic. Some so-called Christians are not this way but ...well....its THEIR souls!!!! Im no saint but I personally dont care about $ and Ive never made an investment in my life and I dont really feel like tlaking to you anymore....