The rich man and Lazarus - wealth is a responsibility not a reward

mcarans

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The story of the rich man and Lazarus is a fascinating one in how it overturns the the positive correlation between virtue and wealth assumed in Jesus's time and challenges the view sometimes held today that the poor are in that state because they are more sinful than the well off. Instead of viewing wealth as a reward, we should see it as a responsibility.

More on the above:
The rich man and Lazarus - wealth is a responsibility not a reward : cruciformity

What did your Pastor preach?
 

JCFantasy23

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Interesting though. I can't recall hearing a sermon about this subject, but I agree with you - it's not always a blessing to be wealthy, although I consider it so to have at least security. It is a harder responsibility to be wealthy because therein lies more temptations, wrong paths, and potential turning away from God or hardening of the heart.
 
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bèlla

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That is the concept put forth in the term noblesse oblige. It implies that those with means have noble obligations that include conduct (good manners and setting positive examples), charity (giving to the needy), advocacy (being a voice for the needy), and philanthropy (funding causes that benefit society).

I view wealth in three guises:

It is bestowed by the Most High and belongs to Him.
It requires wise stewardship and His input for its dispense.
It is not a right but a privilege laden with responsibilities and a standard of conduct that cannot transgress our faith or witness.

I believe the principles of noblesse oblige apply and its benefactors should hold themselves to a higher standard of behavior in light of their wealth and the influence it brings. We should be willing to become beacons of light and minister to those with means and those without.

Christians whom the Lord has granted wealth have the greatest ability to impact others like themselves. It should be their aim to be a godly example for them all.
 
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mcarans

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That is the concept put forth in the term noblesse oblige. It implies that those with means have noble obligations that include conduct (good manners and setting positive examples), charity (giving to the needy), advocacy (being a voice for the needy), and philanthropy (funding causes that benefit society).

I view wealth in three guises:

It is bestowed by the Most High and belongs to Him.
It requires wise stewardship and His input for its dispense.
It is not a right but a privilege laden with responsibilities and a standard of conduct that cannot transgress our faith or witness.

I believe the principles of noblesse oblige apply and its benefactors should hold themselves to a higher standard of behavior in light of their wealth and the influence it brings. We should be willing to become beacons of light and minister to those with means and those without.

Christians whom the Lord has granted wealth have the greatest ability to impact others like themselves. It should be their aim to be a godly example for them all.
Thanks! I hadn't come across that term before. It is a good summary of what we should do with wealth.
 
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yeshuaslavejeff

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Thanks! I hadn't come across that term before. It is a good summary of what we should do with wealth.
Did you compare it with
what Yahuweh Says To Do ?
Jesus and the Apostles and the disciples throughout the New Testament were pretty simple and clear about this.
 
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mcarans

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Did you compare it with
what Yahuweh Says To Do ?
Jesus and the Apostles and the disciples throughout the New Testament were pretty simple and clear about this.
Yes I think that term matches what Jesus and the disciples talk about in the NT.
 
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seeking.IAM

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The problem with the rich man wasn't that he was rich. It was that he had ignored religious teaching. His house was gated, likely to separate himself from everyday people especially the likes of Lazrus. He ignored Moses and the prophets and likely the beggar, Lazrus, outside his gate.

The sermon where I worshipped yesterday focused on the sub-theme of this parable, God's mercy for the down-trodden -- that it was the beggar shown mercy by God who became enriched being at Abraham's side after death while the rich man became the beggar.

And yet we often still ignore the beggars at OUR gate.
 
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bling

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The story of the rich man and Lazarus is a fascinating one in how it overturns the the positive correlation between virtue and wealth assumed in Jesus's time and challenges the view sometimes held today that the poor are in that state because they are more sinful than the well off. Instead of viewing wealth as a reward, we should see it as a responsibility.

More on the above:
The rich man and Lazarus - wealth is a responsibility not a reward : cruciformity

What did your Pastor preach?
The question should be: "Why did God allow Lazarus to live long and die in poverty?"
 
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bling

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Good question and do you have an answer to it?
God Loved the rich man like He Loves everyone, so God provided the very best opportunity for the rich man to experience Godly type Love (Charity) by directly helping Lazarus. The rich man might have had a hospital named after him, but helping Lazarus is what he really needed. Lazarus provided this opportunity until his death. How wonderful it would have been for both the rich man and Lazarus if the rich man had taken him in.
Failing to experience Godly type Love resulted in the rich man not fulfilling his earthly objective.
 
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