I watched ABC’s World News Tonight Sunday evening and saw a couple of stories worth mentioning.

Jesus Loves Porn Stars

First was the story of Craig Gross and XXXChurch.com. Gross is a pastor who’s ministry is directed to those addicted to pornography. They travel to porn conventions, set up their own booth (inside the convention, not outside), and distribute Bibles. The Bible they’re distributing this year has a cover that says “Jesus Loves Porn Stars”. Many think the title goes too far, although I’m not sure why. (Doesn’t Jesus love everyone?) They are a unique ministry - not often do you find Christians attending porn conventions and getting to know the people (as opposed to standing outside picketing or barking at them.) I read Gross’ book The Gutter : Where Life Is Meant To Be Lived last year and he discusses a lot about their ministry in that book. It’s worth a read.

Buffet to give away billions

Also was the story of billionaire Warren Buffet, who plans to give most of his fortune to charities - around 85% of his 40+ billion - beginning next month. The largest gift will go to the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Evidently, he had planned to give most of his money away only after his death, but has changed his mind and will begin doing so right away.

This story brought to my mind the story of the rich young ruler (Luke 18). I’ve never read that as a command for all of us - i.e. that we should all sell everything and give it away. I believe Jesus told him to do this because he knew that was what was keeping him from truly following Him. The man loved his fortune and was unwilling to let go of it.

Another story that came to mind was one I wrote about in a post last fall. Here’s the paragraph:

One thing that was revealed about Rich Mullins after his death in 1997 was that he didn’t receive his checks from his record company. His producer once asked him about how much money he brought in. Rich said he didn’t know. His producer asked him why he didn’t know. Rich told him that he didn’t receive his checks - they went to the elders of his church, with whom RIch had made an arrangement. From the money he made, the elders then gave him an annual salary equivalent to an average working man in America, which at that time was about $24,000. A little more was put into a retirement account. The rest was either given to his church or given away to those in need.

Hearing about Buffet and remembering Rich’s story made me wonder what would happen if more people did what they did. Maybe not give away 85% - because certainly 15% of 40 billion still leaves quite a bit to live on, but that would not be true of one making $24,000. But, what if we all took only what we truly needed to live - without all of the luxuries we love and hang on to - and gave the rest to people and causes that desperately need it? How much more good could be done? I admit that it is an incredibly difficult charge to consider. And I admit that maybe Jesus wasn’t speaking only to the rich young ruler, but also to me.