Possessing, Using, or Trusting
Dallas Willard writes of the difference between possessing riches, using riches, and trusting in riches.[1]
- To possess riches is to have the right to say how they will or will not be used. Possession is a neutral matter. Possessing riches can be good or bad. It is simply having the right to say how something will or will not be used.
- To use riches is to cause them to be consumed or transferred to others in exchange for something we desire. Where possession merely indicates having a right to say how something will be used, use indicates actually taking that possession and using it for something we desire.
- Finally, to trust in riches is to count upon them to obtain or secure what we treasure. It is to think that riches will bring us happiness, well being, and security.
The problem with wealth largely has to do with the mis-use of riches and our trust in riches. The Bible does not condemn the possession of riches outright. There is nothing necessarily wrong or right with the possession of wealth. The problem is that those with wealth use what is in their possession for their own gain. And, the problem is that people, rich or poor, trust in riches—that is, they believe riches will bring them happiness and well-being. This explains why it is not necessarily a good idea for those of us who are wealthy to sell every possession and give it all to the poor. We could be penniless and still find ourselves trusting in riches—longing for what we gave away and believing that only when we become wealthy again will we be happy.
This distinction between possession, use, and trust also explains the positive side of wealth in the Bible. We are certainly not to trust in wealth. But God does give some people possession of wealth. And they in turn, use that wealth not for God’s purposes. While wealthy, their identity and security are not wrapped up in wealth. They use what God has given them for God’s purposes. Paul says that for those willing to trust in God, God will make us rich in every way, God will grant us the possession of wealth, so that we can be generous on every occasion, so that we can use that wealth to help others.
Hospitality
Hospitality is a simple discipline which allows us to avoid misusing wealth and mistrusting possessions. It empowers us to use material goods for the good of others and for the glory of God.
Marjorie Thompson defines hospitality in this way: “Hospitality means receiving the other, from the heart, into my own dwelling place. It entails providing for the need, comfort, and delight of the other with all the openness, respect, freedom, tenderness, and joy that love itself embodies.”[2] The other, she explains, can be any person but should include enemies and strangers. The “dwelling place” can be a physical space like a room, apartment or house or it can be an emotional or mental space—inviting others into our inner world of thoughts and feelings, giving people room to be heard and understood. Traditionally, hospitality provides food and drink, shelter and rest, protection and care, enjoyment and peace for others.
Thompson describes five forms of hospitality: hospitality at home, in the workplace, in the neighborhood, in our churches, and civic hospitality.[3]
- Hospitality at home means parents being genuinely present to their children and making home a place where mistakes can be and where forgiveness is granted. Hospitality at home can also include adoption of hard to place children, sheltering a homeless couple, and taking in a foreign student.
- Hospitality in the workplace involves listening opening to others’ ideas, concerns, and critiques. It means creating a welcoming and inviting environment for others.
- Hospitality in the neighborhood can be expressed in watching a neighbor’s home or pets when they are away, listening to a lonely neighbor, watching the kids of a single parent in the neighborhood, or throwing a block party for neighbors.
- Hospitality in our churches takes place when we welcome visitors and newcomers, honor each members’ gifts, deal appropriately with conflict, intercede for others, and treat church staff generously.
- Finally, civic hospitality involves making schools, medical care and recreation available to all; welcoming immigrants, the poor, and the undereducated into our communities; and treating the environment with care.
Take ten minutes today and, using some material possession, engage in an act of hospitality at home, in the workplace, in your neighborhood, in your church, or in the larger civic context in which you live.
[1] Dallas Willard, The Spirit of the Disciplines (Harper Collins, 1988), 194-196.
[2] Marjorie Thompson, Soul Feast (Westminster John Knox, 1995), 122.
[3] Marjorie Thompson, Soul Feast (Westminster John Knox, 1995), 129-135.
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