St. Francis and the Prosperity Gospel

I recently finished a biography on St. Francis of Assisi.  I’ve of course known of St. Francis for some time and even visited his hometown, but I hadn’t really explored his life.  Since finishing this book, I’ve been thinking about what to make of his life.  Certainly his love of God and fellow man is a great example to emulate.  I was encouraged that his response to the Crusades was to work as a peacemaker rather than follow in the brutality waged against the Muslim people.  I’m a bit saddened by his lack of emphasis on theology and learning.  Of course the most radical element in St. Francis’s life was his extreme vow of poverty for himself and for those who would join his order.  I assuredly stand in good company in saying his commitment to poverty is perhaps the most fascinating and challenging markers of his life.

After living a life of wealth and pleasure, St. Francis used his vow of poverty as a chisel to carve himself into a man of deep humility and love of God and fellow mankind.  His humility and love made him an iconic figure in Christian history.  I find it astounding that this man, pursuing no wealth or prestige, is so well known and respected eight centuries later.  This saint who had to beg the pope to permit his order’s existence is now a key inspiration for the present pope’s ministry.

More recently, there has been a focus of teaching that God’s will is for us to be happy, healthy, and wealthy.  I’m sure you’ve heard certain preachers proclaiming this ‘prosperity gospel.’  Of course, many bible stories and passages are used to support this message.  I agree that the Bible teaches us that God is our provider and tells of His immeasurable blessings.  Solomon reigned over one of the richest nations of his time.  Matthew 7:7 tells us, “Ask, and it will be given to you.”  However, the thought process can ultimately lead toward a belief that God desires his followers to live in the largest houses, drive the fanciest cars, and have the most fun.  This, of course, is all to reveal our His glory to those around us.

So, here we have two polar opposite views of God’s desire for us.  What is the right understanding of how God desires us to interact with money and possessions?  I recently stumbled on a song by Shai Linne that you should check out here.  I think you’ll be able to pick up his thoughts of the second view.  It’s a bold song where the line “If you’re living your best life now, you’re headed to hell” is hardly noteworthy as a controversial statement.  Shai Linne ultimately reminds us, “if you come to Jesus for money, then He’s not your God—money is.”

On the other hand, I don’t see that scripture urges us to live a life of complete poverty in the pattern of St. Francis.  I view St. Francis as a type of prophet whose life was a kind of prophesy, calling us to examination and repentance.  I suppose that the best understanding of how to pursue and handle riches lies somewhere between these two extremes.

I suppose our money goes generally to three purposes: ensuring financial security (preparing for the ‘what if’), making our lives more enjoyable (through experiencing creation and making life comfortable), and helping others.  I can make strong arguments for the necessity and goodness of investing in each of these.  I am challenged by St. Francis's example and do wrestle with how I invest my money.  I’d love to hear your thoughts on:

1. What’s your guide in balancing investing in financial security against putting faith in God’s provision?
2. How do you gauge if you’re investing too much in making life fun and comfortable rather than being selfless and putting others’ needs ahead of yourself?
3. How do you determine what to invest in missions or charity?