Tuition at Regent College is not cheap. Living in Vancouver is not cheap. Therefore, it is no wonder that I am more budget-conscious while here. But I realize that I am privileged to be able to afford to be here. I am blessed.All around me, I frequently hear someone claiming poverty. It is not uncommon to hear someone saying, "I am so poor." Somehow, this gets others to pay (or at least partially cover) for him/her when eating out. By this claim, debts are sometimes wiped out. And this "poor person" receives sympathy.
Yet, this very same person who claims poverty seems to eat out often, almost never paying for anyone else. He/She has the latest in technology (computer, video game, GPS, cell phone, etc.). He/She shops often. He/She goes on trips. Of course, not all these are attributed to a single person, though.
So... are these people actually poor? Or are they merely claiming poverty? Is claiming poverty considered a virtue? And when they claim poverty, are they taking something away from those who truly are financially strapped?
This epidemic of claiming poverty is not isolated to Regent College or to Vancouver. It is apparent even in LA. When did it become acceptable? Does Christian society encourage this sort of behavior? What does this say about one's stewardship of money?
Any thoughts?
1 comment:
This type of behavior sure does not say much about Christian stewardship of money. I think Christians arre allowing themselves to be pulled into the world. Take eating out, for example. I have yet to meet a single Christian man or woman who actually spends time shopping for groceries and cooking at home on a regular basis. Eating out seems to be a right that they are entitled to. Maybe stewardship of money has not been studied or taught much at the pulpit?!
So next time you eat out with this 'poor' person, resist the temptation to pay for him/her. Maybe they will stop complaining and start working on their 'budget'.
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