People Who Understand Their Poverty Cling To Good Things

by Eric Elkin

“Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God…But woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation.”

— Luke 6: 20;24

The air in MetLife Stadium this past Monday night was full of optimism. New York Jets fans all around the globe had waited months for this moment to come; some had waited a lifetime. This night was to begin the dream season they had all been waiting to experience. Not since 1969 had this storied franchise had a great quarterback to lead them to a championship. But all that was about to change as Aaron Rodgers entered the stadium to a loud chorus of cheers.

The fanfare of Aaron Rodgers' entrance into MetLife Stadium told the complete story. There may be no "I" in team, but only Aaron Rodgers mattered on Monday night. Rodgers ran into the stadium alone as music played and spotlights lit him up. He carried an American flag in commemoration of the 22nd anniversary of 9/11. Standing in the middle of the field were his teammates, who seemed even more excited than the fans about Aaron Rodgers being on their team.

Everything about the night changed 4 plays and less than 4 minutes into the game. Aaron Rodgers got up and limped off the field after being sacked. When fans watched him get carted into the locker room, they realized this was a significant injury. Ironically, not since the events of September 9, 2001, had a single event in New York City impacted the nation's spirit. If you think that is hyperbole, you were not listening to talk shows on Tuesday morning. Both sports and non-sports stations mourned the news of the injury.

“The truth is that relative income is not directly related to happiness. Nonpartisan social survey data clearly show that the big driver of happiness is earned success: a person’s belief that he has created value in [their] life or the life of others.”

— Arthur C. Brooks

The events in MetLife Stadium on Monday night provide an excellent example of what Jesus taught in the sermon on the plain. Scholars refer to this sermon as the Beatitudes (or the Blessings). On that night, our wealth was on full display. Aaron Rodgers signed a $112.5 million to play for the Jets. He gets paid that much because we, the fans, are willing to spend a lot of money watching pro football.

When the injury occurred, I could feel the sadness and despair of the fans through my television. Even commentators were left in stunned confusion about what to say in calling the game. Sorrow and confusion quickly turned to despair. Fans reacted like the season was over before it even began. As the injury's reality set in, the fans became angry. They started talking about their suffering and how horrible it was to be a Jets fan.

Compare these events to the emotions we felt as a nation after the fall of the World Trade Centers. That night, we felt broken, stunned, confused and vulnerable. We realized money and wealth could not fix our poverty of spirit. Most of us thought differently about what was really important in our lives in the wake of the attack. Strangers hugged strangers. People from rural America traveled to New York City to help their neighbors. We came together as a nation. It was beautiful and fleeting.

I'll never understand why, when we are wealthy and life is good, we can let the most minor things destroy our sense of joy and hope. Yet, when faced with real tragedy, we see more clearly all that is precious in our lives. Jesus is teaching us that it doesn't need to be this way. People who understand their poverty and vulnerability cling to good things. Those who let wealth cloud their vision are easily made blind and quickly become angry. So, Lord, teach us the wisdom of poverty.

Click to read Luke 6:20-26