Outlandish Behavior

Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. Luke 6:30

Moonlighter is an old-school Zelda-esque adventure game where your hero has to raid dungeons and sell the goods for profit. You can price your wares at generous or greedy prices to the delight or sadness of customers. While your store is open, one snot-nosed kid tries to steal one of your hard-fought relics. If you catch him in time, you can wrestle him to the ground and win back your precious item. If you miss him, then you lost the item forever. John the Baptist, the second most influential preacher behind Jesus, told his followers “if anyone has two shirts give one away.” This is the most straightforward answer to the problem of equality and shared wealth.

Jesus took it one step further. Don’t ask for it back if someone wants to steal from you or borrow your things permanently. Not only are we required to look out for those in need, but we are not supposed to be attached to our belongings. Obviously, this brings up a problem. Do I let robbers keep my stuff if they successfully rob me? Do I not call insurance if I lose something? I expect that I deserve to get my stuff back (or I get better stuff). The deeper truth is putting our possessions in a righteous place. Jesus tells us not to treat our earthly belongings as entitlements or wealth guarantees. Instead, if someone puts your belongings in danger, letting them keep them can be exercised because you are not held down by it. If someone steals your children’s shoes, by all means, replace them. If someone demands your Blu-Ray collection, you can give it to them, knowing that God will still care for your entertainment needs no matter what you lose. The object of this outlandish behavior is not to keep your stuff from robbers but to show others how critical Jesus’ generosity is. He gave his life when it was demanded of him.

Figure it out: Proverbs 11:25 (CSB)
A generous person will be enriched, and the one who gives a drink of water will receive water.

1. Circle all the words, phrases, and ideas that stood out to you.
2. What is God’ purpose in this text?
3. What is our purpose in this text?
4. What part of this scripture do you want to reflect on or bring into your faith?