Recently a study done by the University of California at
Berkley took a look at the ethical behaviors of those that are rich vs. those
who are poor.
They conducted some laboratory as well as field tests that
included over 1,000 individuals, both those that were rich as well as
poor. The results of the study surprised
even that liberal academic institution. Researchers
found that the people that drove more expensive cars, had more money or more
education were less likely to obey traffic laws, have compassion for those that
are suffering and were more likely to cheat for financial gain, even if the financial gain was only $50.
We shouldn’t be surprised.
Jesus said “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle
than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” (Matthew 19:24). Later in the same Gospel he talked about
gathering together all of the people at the end of this age. For lack of compassion, others were turned
away. “I was hungry and you gave me no
food; I was thirsty and you gave me no drink.” (Matthew 25:42).
There are also the ‘Three Woes” of the Gospel of Luke that
immediately follow what we refer to as the Beatitudes where the poor and those who hunger
and those that weep will be blessed. Jesus then says, “But woe to you that are rich! for you have
received your consolation. Woe to you
that are full! for you shall hunger. Woe to you that laugh now! for you shall
mourn and weep. Woe to you, when all men
shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets.”
While we have plenty of Biblical guidelines for handling
money responsibility and hard work and thriftiness are often admired qualities, there are many more warnings about greed,
covetousness and not being compassionate. The Gospels are clear that having compassion alone won't get you into heaven but it is a great indication of the condition of your heart.
Jesus came that we may live a life that is abundant but that abundance
needs to be shared and used to also advance the welfare of those that are less
fortunate.
