The Other Economy

Here's an inspiring message from my father as he writes about the spiritual economy for his local Bible study:


Hi all,

I want to share this with you - our rector at church asked me to think about writing something for the "God Moment" section of our bulletin, after I shared some thoughts with him about this. I hope you enjoy it, and please share with others if you are so moved.

Peace,
Ron

Reading Matthew 6:19 in the Men's Bible Study last Tuesday, Jim challenged us to talk about how Jesus' direction to "store up treasures in heaven" relates to us in a time when our financial economy is in crisis… we feel the need to hold onto our 'earthly treasures' even tighter now - how are we going to pledge in this time of uncertainty?

I thought about "Treasures in Heaven" – where and how do I do this?

Of the three kinds of resources I have; financial, health, and spiritual, my spiritual resources have helped me get through rough times with the other two.

In my life, I've been through dark periods financially, I've been through dark periods of illness and faced my mortality, and I've been through dark periods in my soul in relationship with God and other people. I've learned that I have a spiritual 'quotient' that fluctuates just like my bank account. There is a huge gift through Grace - and then there is what I do with it….. or don't do with it….. that makes it shrink or grow.

I know this from my own experience as a receiver, some years ago right here at Palmer, when I was lifted up by love and caring during and after my cancer treatment. And I see it happening every day in people's relationships with each other in Stephen Ministry, Bible Study, and so many other ministries. It is in our relationships with others that we each build on the Grace we receive. In transactions of Love that enrich our spiritual bank account – a sort of 'Spiritual Economy'.