Wealth, Relaxing, and Charity

At church this morning, the pastor preached against greed.  Our text was the parable of that one guy in Luke 12:15-21 who wanted to tear down his barns to build bigger barns, as he would kick back and relax with his wealth.

I was thinking about this topic in my daily quiet time.  I finished I Chronicles this morning and, near the end of the book, David donates some of his own wealth to the construction of the temple (which would occur under Solomon).  I thought about what I would do with my money if I won the lottery.  Well, I would first pay off my student loans, but what then?  I'd be tempted to kick back and relax for the rest of my life: no worries!  No financial insecurity!  I wouldn't even chase after luxuries.  My needs and wants are simple. 

Would I give to charity?  Well, I'd hope that I'd give some money to charities that feed the poor.  I'd probably divide the money up among different charities, for I'm not sure how a single charity would handle a large sum of money.  I hope that I would do what the pastor said at the end of the service: not be judgmental of the poor, but willing to help.

But what's that have to do with me now, since I have not won the lottery?  Well, I notice my desire for security.  But I also see within myself a recognition of the need to give, as well as the need to counter any tendencies within myself that may make me less than compassionate.