Is it really your money?

In Martin Luther’s Catechism is found an explanation of the Christian teaching that God created everything:
I believe that God has created me
and all that exists.
He has given me, and still preserves
My body and soul and all their powers
He provides me with food and clothing,
home and family, daily work, and all
I need from day to day….
…Therefore I surely ought to thank and praise,
serve and obey him.
The logical conclusion to such a belief, is the realization that all we have is a gift from God. And our grateful response must be to use our blessings in accordance to what Jesus declares as good and right, and just. It is therefore disappointing that many Christians, including Lutherans, believe in personal ownership of what is on loan from God. And use to personal advantage what is given for the benefit of all humankind.

Recently, Florida Gov. Rick Scott, made an unannounced appearance at the Tea Party rally and got a roaring ovation. He told them he was fighting for less government and lower taxes. "Less government, right? Lower taxes. No high-speed rail. It's your money. We're going to follow the constitution. We're going to watch spending like a hawk. It's your money."

Republican Scott wants to trim state spending by $5 billion and phase in property and corporate tax cuts. In doing so he says he is “going to follow the constitution”. I guess the idea that individuals own what is under their control might be constitutional. But it is not what Jesus taught. All our blessings, including money, belong to God. And the reason we “should watch spending like a hawk”, is because it is not our money. We are only stewards of what belongs to God.

If more people would consider our responsibility, for how our blessings can be applied toward what is good and right and just; the makeup of our state and federal budgets could really change. Projects such as light-rail, are aimed at those who by choice or necessity rely on public transportation. Those who may not be able to afford a car; or who wish to avoid dependence upon oil resources are asked to sacrifice. And the wealthy are given a tax cut.

Although our vast military spending may be justified as particularly constitutional, it would be hard to support planning, financing, and waging war based on the faith and life of Jesus. The same Jesus who said: “those who live by the sword, will die by the sword”.

It is time for us to reconsider what polices and practices will support a life of thanks and praise, service and obedience, toward the God who has given us charge over his creation. And particularly, given us responsibility to love each other.