‘I’d trade it all for a little more’

In an episode of the Simpsons, Homer comments: ‘You know, Mr Burns, you’re the richest guy I know. Way richer than Lenny’. To which Mr Burns replies with that distinctive withering voice ‘Oh, yes. But I’d trade it all for a little more.’ 

A large-scale survey suggested that this exaggerated portrayal – of the rich and ruthless business owner who always puts profit above others – has an element of truth. Researchers from Norway analysed data from 46,000 people in 67 different countries and concluded that lower socioeconomic status was linked to higher moral attitudes and behaviour. The report goes on to say that poorer people were more likely to donate to charity and help others. Is it true then to say that those with more financial wealth are less generous than more impoverished people?

Whoever loves money never has enough

Perhaps people who have less money tend to have a greater awareness of the needs within their community and greater compassion for those who live hand to mouth. Also conceivably those with greater financial wealth are too consumed with trying to make a little more.

As is highlighted in Mr Burns’ quote, for the wealthy, there is a distinct temptation to go on competitively acquiring wealth even when needs have been met. King Solomon writes about there always being a thirst for more: ‘Whoever loves money never has enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income’ (Ecclesiastes 5:10 NIV).

Generosity is a characteristic of God

Generosity then is a heart issue and is not about how much or how little money you have in your bank account. As Christians, we are instructed to be generous with what we have. In Luke’s gospel, Jesus commends the ‘poor widow’ who gave sacrificially even though she was in great poverty (see Luke 21:1-4). Generosity is a characteristic of God we need to copy, whether we are rich or poor.

An appetite for more and more wealth is a symptom of discontentment. This search for satisfaction in money will never be fulfilled. We can only find true satisfaction in Jesus, who demonstrated the ultimate generosity by coming to save us. ‘Though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich’ (2 Corinthians 8:9 NIV).

Generosity, not greed, is one of the great pieces of evidence of the gospel at work in a Christian’s life.