Better Off?

David Cameron is doing all he can, at the Davos World Economic Forum, to present the case to show that almost everyone in the UK is better off now than they were. Meanwhile, Labour politicians are presenting the case that shows we are all worse off. Much of the argument looks at the interpretation of statistics from various sources. 

I am reminded of the comment, 'Politicians use statistics much as a drunk uses a lamppost, that is, more for support than illumination'.

But how do we become better off? 

Is it by rising income, or by growing generosity? Is it by seeking the good of ourselves, or the good of others? St. Paul observed the way Jesus behaved. 'You know the generous grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty he could make you rich.' (2 Corinthians 8.9)

To be truly better off, we need to be in step with the plans and purposes of God. That way, we become properly rich.

As Jesus himself told us, '“Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.' (Matthew 6.19-21)

In these days, when we are bombarded with the message that all matters economic are the most important things to consider, I realise that I need to keep checking where my treasure is. Have I let the world squeeze me into its mould, or am I following the ways of Jesus? A good marker will be whether or not I am being generous in attitude and action towards those that I meet.

So where is your treasure? Can you run the generosity check on yourself? That way, we can be properly 'better off'!
Best wishes,

Richard