Do most of us even come close to imitating the lifestyle of the one we claim to serve?
I know I don’t.
But shouldn't that be our goal? Shouldn't we expect that Christians everywhere, in the spirit of Jesus and of the first century church, be known as "Sisters and Brothers of the Poor"? By that I mean sharing equitably in a way that there would "not be a needy person among them."
For a start, as affluent citizens of one of the wealthiest countries in the world, what would happen if we followers of Jesus were to choose one of the following:
a) To live at or near the US poverty level. Currently, living at that level in the US would mean managing on an income of $12,760 for a one-person household, $17,240 for two people, or $26,200 for a four-person household. That would be challenging, to be sure, but would help us identify with what is a daily reality for the majority of the world's people, including our sisters and brothers around the globe. We would learn first hand what it's like to live at the ALICE level of the US population (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, and Employed).
b. Or to choose a lifestyle somewhere in the middle of that of the rest of the world's population, and with a level of consumption that the planet could sustain if every household on the planet were to live as we do. By way of comparison, according to a 2018 survey, the average annual income worldwide ranges from $280 in Burundi to $82,230 in Norway, with the US rate, as one of the most privileged nation in the world, being at an average of $56,180.
c. Or at least choose to live at a much lower economic level as far as personal wealth and consumption are concerned. And then to invest the rest in extravagant ways that best support the mission and teachings of Jesus.
Think about it. Even living at a US poverty level would not normally mean being homeless or having to go hungry. Rather, it would simply mean living more like Jesus lived, with bare necessities, and being able to get by in the same way millions of people do day by day, sometimes with help from social service and other agencies. Lest we feel reluctant to avail ourselves of such help, it should be noted that the very rich in the US receive massive amounts of government welfare in the form of special tax breaks and outright subsidies.
The radical choice to become a part of a community of believers living at, or nearer to, the poverty level could have the following benefits:
1. We could become less dependent on material things and enjoy more simple pleasures. Many of us who grew up poor by American standards nevertheless lived blessed and satisfying lives.
2. By downsizing and by spending less we would reduce waste and thus help save the planet and more of its resources for future generations. Having the entire world consuming and spending at a level equal to ours is a sure recipe for ecological disaster.
3. We would gain greater empathy for those in need. The money we save could greatly add to the generosity shown toward those in our neighborhoods and around the world who are homeless, hungry and without healthcare.
4. We would be demonstrating a more faithful response to the life and teachings of Jesus and of the prophets and apostles. Our deeds would match our words in ways that even skeptics would take notice.
5. We may actually be safer, be less likely to be victims of theft or home invasion.
6. It would greatly reduce the taxes we now pay for military purposes (at a rate often greater than our giving for missionary purposes) and make it possible to divert more money to life-giving causes.
But what about saving for our children's education, for unforeseen medical expenses or for our future retirement?
Sisters and Brothers of the Poor could collaborate in establishing something like a gigantic Jubilee Foundation into which they would invest all their surplus property and above-poverty-level earnings. This fund could be administered by a representative board, and operate somewhat like the former Mennonite Mutual Aid, (now Everence Financial).
This Foundation, if large numbers of people invested in it, could do two things. It could provide, on an as-needed basis, educational scholarships for its members, emergency medical aid not covered by Medicare or Medicaid, and nursing home care as needed for all of its members. In addition, it would serve as a major source of funding of worthy causes as determined by members through their chosen governing board. As a result, everyone's needs and unforeseen expenses would be covered and far larger amounts of money would go for needy causes worldwide.
Meanwhile, Sisters and Brothers of the Poor could be collaboratively and cooperatively operating businesses and other enterprises that utilize capital wealth and generate needed goods and services, but they would no longer see operating such enterprises as entitling them to a greater share of consumer wealth.
Sound far fetched? Maybe. But more in line with the example and teachings of Jesus? I think so.
Actually, it sounds a lot like something people who call themselves Christ-followers should have been doing all along.
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