Gospel Poverty Explained
Rather than just defining the concept of gospel poverty please permit me to describe it in the hopes that an explanation will emerge that speaks to the essence of this very Biblical way of living the Christian life.
Gospel poverty is voluntary, non-destitute poverty. Because it is voluntary, anyone can choose the level they believe they can embrace according to where they are in their life journey. John Michael Talbot in his book Simplicity gives three main ways to live out gospel poverty:
1. The way of the mendicant. This is where individuals and groups are called to absolute poverty which involves almost no personal possessions whatsoever. Jesus sent out the disciples on ministry journeys where they were to take very little with them and be totally dependent on God for their provision (Matthew 10, Mark 6:7-13, Luke 9:1-6). Jesus also sent out the 72 with similar instructions (Luke 10:1-16). Those who choose this way rely on the generosity of others to support their basic needs of life.
2. The monastic way. This is more of a communal approach. It is based on the early church practice of "having all things in common" as found in Acts 2:42-47, 4:32-37. Ideally, this becomes the community base that allows the intinerant mendicant way to flourish. This could take the form of communities of believers living and/or banding together in communal simplicity for the sake of the gospel moving outward from their community life.
3. The domestic way. This is the most accessible and open way of living gospel poverty. Each family decides to live simply so their family life can have impact on those around them. Every Christian can embrace this way in some form.
Gospel poverty is an attitude of the heart and a lifestyle. We are blessed when we are "poor in spirit (Matthew 5:3)." Basil Hume writes in his The Intentional Life:
"Poverty is a difficult subject. It is a matter of simplicity and fruglity; but most of all a sense of dependence - dependence of God, dependence on the Community....By professing poverty, you are professing that God is our treasure; that, as human beings, if we do not in some way possess Him, we are poor, very poor - deprived."
Jesus said, "For where your treasure is, there will be your heart also (Luke 12:34)." Wherever we focus our time, energy, finances, etc. speaks volumes to what has a grip on our heart. As we fall more in love with Jesus, all of our life is more focused on Him and the things on His heart. To embrace the things on His heart we must be humble and teachable. As we become more dependent on Him our life begins to change and bear fruit that changes the landscape around us. Gospel poverty seeks to break forth the life of the Spirit in us so we can be part of His redemptive plan.
Gospel poverty is a countercultural, Christian commitment. It involves walking the way of the cross. Jesus said, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me." This self-denial is not some extreme asceticism, but a consistent denial of our own agendas and fleshly desires to pursue Jesus and His redemptive mission in the spheres of influence he has given us, especially in regards to the poor and marginalized.
Move on to the "Counting the Costs" page to see how you can begin to approach embracing a gospel poverty lifestyle.