$


Everybody's getting Mercedes

I was reading another blog and there was a post about this pastor of a church of 5000. His name is Clint Brown and apparently is a well know worship song writer. I have never heard of him.

He is getting or just recently was divorced. There has been some criticism due to his excessive lifestyle - I think he made a lot of money from some of the songs he wrote and albums he sold. The church recently bought him a 500 000 "parsonage" in a gated community.

Now half a million sounds like a lot of dough and it is, but in Vancouver it is basically an average (and almost entry level) price for a home. But check out what else this guy spent his money on:

  • 3 mercedes benz
  • porche carrera
  • hummer
  • ford f-150 pickup
  • vw beetle
  • 2 harley davidson motorcycles
  • $8800 spent in a jewelery store in NYC
  • $1000 - victoria's secret
  • $10000 - shoe store in Dallas
  • $1000 - wine shop in Dallas
  • $70 000 - in one year on women's clothing
In comparison I own the following:

  • bus tickets
  • 1 bike
  • running shoes
  • i have never entered a victoria's secret
  • i haven't bought new dress shoes in over 4 years
  • ok - i buy wine, but i've never spent more then 17 bucks on a bottle
  • every year i buy felicia something from banana republic for her birthday - usually around $100
Obviously, I'm in the wrong church - I need to get me down to Florida and start driving a hummer, wearing some bling, some nice shoes and ladies clothes while chugging some fine wine.

"The love of money is the root of all kinds of evil."

Material products in themselves are not evil. A Merceds Benz is not evil - it is our attitude towards material goods. Unfortunately in our culture it is almost impossible to divorce our feelings towards the status that certain items give us from simple utilitarianism.

Your designer jeans are more then pants for your legs - they actually reveal your standing in society. If they are no name jeans from cost-co - you are a poor social loser. If they are $300 No Religion jeans then you are part of the exclusive club of winners.

You are not your clothing, your car, your condo or your hair-cut. Believe it and live out of that understanding.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Go to church

Image
We are several months out of even the most limited pandemic restrictions. I cannot remember the last time I wore a mask. When I see someone wearing a mask, it feels nostalgic - a reminder of a strange time when that person was the norm and I - the unmasked one would look strange. Despite the fact that we can break the 6-foot barrier and admire the lower halves of other's faces - I have been surprised at the number of Christians I meet who are just NOW starting to return to live worship services. I understand the lure of the live stream worship experience while sitting at home on the couch - worshipping in sweats and hot coffee in my mug - much more appealing than a hard couch and no coffee. I've also met believers boldly walking away from regular church attendance and proclaiming they can worship God anywhere - including the pickleball court. Nature is my sanctuary. "God’s Spirit and gift of salvation are not defined by church walls. But without an embodied community of be
Read more

Coaster goes up (a little)

Image
Unused photo from the Globe and Mail shoot. So, last night and all day today I was on the top floor of the Hyatt Regency Hotel in downtown Vancouver. Quite auspicious surroundings for church council/pastors meetings! there were stunning views of the North Shore mountains, Stanley Park and the downtown buildings. The meetings were lengthy, exhausting and a lot of work. Basically, FBC has been on a year long journey of crafting its vision statement and core values - we did it with the assistance of a coach from Outreach Canada. We are coming down the home stretch and needed to hammer out everything for presentation to the congregation. Today was the first day that I have begun to feel lighter and ready to resume the work. Although still feeling wounded from this whole mess, I'm ready to limp on. It's true: Sunday,Monday - elation at finally reaching a goal of holding a first@night service in a trendy nightclub - excitement at getting press coverage - even thoug
Read more

Where the Light Falls

Image
I've read two books by Augustine - City of God and Confessions. I think I've read his confessions 3 times. I like him because he is a good writer, has lots of self-insight, and loves God passionately. He was very honest about his pre-Christian life. At one point he makes this observation: "I had my back toward the light, and my face toward the things on which the light falls." Most people have their back to the light - and they focus where his light falls. Where the light falls refers to God's common grace. God does not keep good things only for those who follow him. Because he is good he distributes his blessings and grace widely. Where the light falls are places of grace: art, music, beauty, sunshine, loving relationships, a baby's smile. But - these things are not the light - to enjoy and encounter the light, we must turn around and follow the rays of light back to the source. What is the source of beauty, love, and truth? Jesus said he is the light of the
Read more