Mine, Yours, Ours

16 Wash yourselves; make yourselves clean; remove the evil of your doings from before my eyes; cease to do evil, 17 learn to do good; seek justice, rescue the oppressed, defend the orphan, plead for the widow. 18 Come now, let us argue it out, says the LORD: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be like snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool. 19 If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land; (Isaiah 1:16-19)

What would it look like if we didn't just share a little of our excess with those who have less, but we actually sought to ensure that everyone had enough to thrive? What if we didn't wield our power as a punishment, but we extended that power to those without a voice? What if no one was hungry, lacked clean water, or adequate shelter? What if a good education was guaranteed no matter the zip code? What if we treated addiction and mental illness with the same respect and urgency that we treat heart disease and cancer? What would it look like?

While this type of thinking may require a radical shift, it's not new. Through the prophets of the Old Testament, the ministry of Jesus, and many leaders today, God has been calling us prioritize the good of all over the good of a few. We let fear keep us from stepping into this alternate reality - fear of the loss of power and control, fear that there won't be enough. But just like a second child doesn't decrease the parents' love for the first child, someone else's increase doesn't necessarily cause our loss. We gain what's important by letting go of what isn't. May we open our minds, hearts, and hands so we can see exactly what it would look like.

32 Do not be afraid, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. 33 Sell your possessions, and give alms. Make purses for yourselves that do not wear out, an unfailing treasure in heaven, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. 34 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (Luke 12:32-34)