Some Christians can come across as super-spiritual with a piety that would embarrass Moses and a take on things those that who fail to live up to moral standards that makes you feel lower than a worm. Dig a little into their behaviour, though, especially when there’s no one looking and you discover that a lot of their talk is just a front – a cover for some serious shenanigans that would shock some of their biggest supporters.
Now why do I say that in this particular blog entry? I read this report about some comedian who was looking to make the most of the tax loopholes to pay as little tax as possible despite the large amount of money he was earning. What makes it particularly newsworthy is that the comedian in question took part in criticising businesses that went about the same practice.
For the sake of the argument, the comedian isn’t a Christian (as yet) and his style of comedy doesn’t really portray him as a purveyor for moral uprightness. It is nevertheless intriguing to see another news repport ‘expose’ how those with the ability to do it, seek to make the most of their stuff even if it involves activities that maybe perfectly legal but also morally suspect.
How many other people, in the same position with the same opportunity would not seek to do the same? Isn’t it a part of people’s make up to look for an easy way out or through? Even I (yes, it may devastate you to discover) have been somewhat of the school that says if I can get away with it and I’ll be left in a beneficial position I’ll carry on with it for as long as I can.
This however is where that concept of righteousness rears it’s glorious head to challenge the behaviour. What makes it morally questionable is the fact that it may benefit me, but is it fair? Is it right? Why should I be the only one to benefit from it? Why must the practice be done under cover?
Righteousness is an individual and corporate issue. It affects the behaviour, but it starts with desires, motives and other matters of the heart. This is why it’s a struggle, because not only is there a battle within yourself, but there’s an implicit cultural pressure that says it’s your right to get all you can, however you can get it.
The only solution I’m aware of to this problem is to treasure something higher than material gain in the here and now. When other things are far more valuable to us – generosity of spirit, contentment with what we have, desire to please God with a holy character – then the push to find the loopholes (and there will always be loopholes) is no longer an issue.
Until that is the case, though, I won’t be surprised to hear others who have made a name for themselves condemning cheats to be exposed as cheats themselves. The grace of God allows us to see how we cheat ourselves and then offers us mercy to extend to others so that rather than condemning others we’re more interested in pursuing the life that holds dear that which lasts a lot longer than the money gained through those loopholes.
For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
dmcd
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