January 2003

The accumulation of wealth is often seen as progress. The assumption seems to be if we make more money, we are somehow progressing-- we are growing. We are getting ahead. But are we? Are we growing personally and spiritually when our wealth grows? Or is it just the wealth that is growing?

The seeking of wealth is not necessarily evil, and it is certainly not new. Those who have it are envied, those who don't are pitied and those in the pursuit of it are respected, accepted and encouraged. Those who 'get ahead' are generally regarded as good, hard-working citizens. They are 'in the game' and the money they have earned generates respect. But is it the person who is respected or is it just their possession of wealth that is coveted? At what personal and societal price?

We tend to equate money with power, and in some ways money really is like stored energy. Spend some money and you 'can make something happen'. But if money is power, what do the majority of us 'make happen' with our money? Do we do good works? Help others? Or do we simply and routinely add to our material base such as a newer car or bigger house? Is our money helping us to grow mentally, spiritually or even physically stronger? How much more do we need?

There are very serious consequences to the myopic pursuit of wealth. Many of our cities are rife with crime, violence and degradation. Families are split and children adrift. On average, we spend 22½ hours a week watching television--a substantial part of that watching athletes play games we are no longer fit enough to play! We are a culture that puts a disproportionate amount of our energy into the military, entertainment and materialism and then suggest the world to do the same.

In stark contrast to our struggles in the affluent west, my son Matthew is currently in Honduras at an orphanage. He spent Christmas there and was with all the children that had no place to go, the remnant population who had neither family nor friends who would take them for the holidays. He watched these kids (ages 6-18) play games, dance, celebrate Christmas dinner and go to church. What amazed Matthew most was the joy and happiness he found in these poor children with no toys, playing on dirt fields, with no money or even family to be with. On the phone he said, "The happiness on their faces I have seldom seen in Vancouver with all its ample resources."

Jesus said, "We cannot serve God and money". It's one or the other, it's mutually exclusive. In the same gospel Jesus said "Where your treasure is, your heart will be also." (Mathew 6:21, 24). While none of us can run away from our relationships to our businesses, our jobs, and our money, Jesus' words serve to draw our attention to what matters the most. Maybe the children of Tegucigalpa and the sentiments of Jesus have something to say to us as we gear up for another year of business and or 'busy'ness?

In this New Year, let us begin to act on a kind of business that generates a different kind of wealth-- a wealth that creates love, goodness, generosity, truth and personal growth-- something more satisfying. Why not set aside some time to pray through and implement practical steps toward a more eternal and soul satisfying treasure.

Maybe these Honduran children remind us of something we may have forgotten?

Blessings,

Tom Cooper

Volume 12, Issue 1

P.S. A special thanks to David Cox, one of my editors, for his contribution to this newsletter.

Upcoming Events:

January 31 - CIF Breakfast "What Role Does Grace Have in the Marketplace" with Tom Cooper

February 21 - CIF Breakfast Forum on the topic of "The tension of faith with work and friendships in the City"

*Breakfasts held at 7:30am, Fridays at The Vancouver Club, 915 Hastings St West

*Please RSVP to Jennifer at 604-687-7292 by noon the day before each event.