As I take time to process the last 6 years of my life (try that some time), I’m discovering that I’ve learned many things. Perhaps the biggest thing I’ve learned is about people. I’ve also learned something about money and power. It seem like those three things go together (but not real well).

I understand people wanting “a better life.” Hey…I want a better life. But when I see what this desire can do, I understand Paul telling us that the love of money is the root of all evil. Well, that is kind of harsh. I mean, we don’t really _love_ money do we? We just want a better life for our kids. So, we work hard, save, etc.

Of course, we might purchase the bigger house, build a pool, buy a DVD player…after all, we work hard. God understands all that right? I mean, if we are giving our 10% shouldn’t we feel good about what we are able to purchase and shouldn’t we be able to live guilt free?

I’m writing this post on my brand new HP Laptop. So..don’t think I’m trying to lay a guilt trip on any one other than myself. I admit, I am in the consumer mindset just like many other americans. I don’t always see it in myself. It is much easier seeing it in other people.

There will always be people who have more money than I do…a bigger house…a nicer car…a better laptop. God calls us not to envy..remember. However, there will always be people with less money that I have…a smaller house..a broken down car..no laptop. So, what am I suppose to do???

To be honest, I don’t know. What I feel like is that God wants me to realize the position I am in…be greatful for what I have and also be graceously generous with what I have (actually what he has given me).

Yes, it is easier when you see others…in power positions…not using the power to bless or benefit others, but rather benefiting themselves first..others second. What makes a company a “christian company” anyway? Is it tha a company is made up of christians, or that those in power wield their power in such a way that the company is a blessing to the employees, the community, the world?

I have no answers…only questions I guess. But one thing I have learned in 6 years, is that people, money and power, don’t always mix real well. Perhaps that is why Jesus knelt down in front of the disciples and washed their feet. Of course, we don’t understand the full impact of that act. Perhaps it is like the CEO o a large muti-million dollar company washing the employees cars…or taking out their trash.

Either way, Jesus did it. He did it as a lesson, because it is easier to say things, than to do things. Jesus did it. He calls me, no matter where I line up in the economy of “things” to do the same.

– Dave.