Why would anyone choose to “live below your economic peers?” I can think of two reasons. The first is simply to make a Christian witness that you can do it and still live a satisfying, happy life. The second is that, for most of us, it is far healthier than always working for more, more, more.
People around me often try to explain choices in life, such as their jobs, their housing, and their decisions not to have children with the words, “I live this way, so I can afford the lifestyle I prefer.” Usually that means they want freedom from any obligation, so they can do whatever they want.
Their words are uttered in a society where many are living above their economic peers, borrowing money so they can do whatever they want. The financial industry encourages and profits from this lifestyle that causes constant anxiety. I felt that frustration in the voice of a waitress who recently revealed she hoped to come even, if tips were good that week. She meant she hoped to be able to pay off her credit card debt and begin to live on what she made. It was evident it would bring tremendous relief.
Most of us are pretty well off, so living below your economic peers would be a form of self-denial. It would mean disciplining ourselves, so we do not spend everything we make on ourselves. Instead we would practice two other items on the Kirkridge Lifestyle: “Be generous” and “Practice fasting or reducing one’s needs or wants.” These clearly reject the half-truth that passes for wisdom, “Nobody can really help anyone else.”
Almsgiving has always been regarded as an essential part of all three Western religions. A friend, Kerry Walters, has been writing recently about almsgiving being midwifery. He means when it is properly practiced, it is more than simply giving material aid. It also treats the receiver as a human being worthy of respect and thus enables her to live that way. In addition, it enables the giver to realize her humanity through her act of compassion. Generosity is inherently a characteristic of what it is to be human, if we confess God is generous and we are made in his Image.
Living below your economic peers is a Christian witness that challenges the half-truths, “You can’t do anything without money” and “Everyone has their price.” When Christians act as the conscience of our society, they demonstrate you can live a satisfying life without the stress caused by frantically defending and increasing your affluence.
The discipline also acknowledges the Bible definition of justice always includes caring for the needy. There will always be some who cannot participate fairly and equally in an economic system. The big question is how best to help them. Certainly one way is for Christians to go further than most by giving more to the Church, more to worthy charities, and bigger tips to waitresses. That will inevitably mean living below our economic peers.
