Social Currency

I have never gone hungry. Not once in my life have I starved for food and not known where the next meal would come from. Not once have I been so poor as to seriously have I truly wanted. And I know without a doubt that if I even risked hunger, I would have more than a handful of people in my life that would not let me come even close to going without food. Or shelter. Or clothing. I live in abundance amidst friends and family who also live in abundance.

I have an education, a bank account, a line of credit, job experience and references, clothes for any social situation. I know social etiquette across a variety or groups and situations. I have lived as much of the American dream as can be expected of a 25 year old female in my culture.

In high school I played varsity sports, got good grades without much effort, had a car, went to every high school dance, got some work experience as a barista, and had great friends. I went to a prominent university where I lived in the dorms and then a house off campus with friends, I played club college soccer for four years, I backpacked through Europe and studied abroad, and I finished in four years successfully while working throughout. I took time off before applying to graduate school, worked hard, made money, indulged in clothes and accessories, moved around the country for a while, learned to cook, and settled back home among my friends, family, and familiar city when the time was right.

I've done it all right. I've had all of the experience that my culture has told me will lead to success, wisdom, and respect. I can sit among the high school students that I work with with confidence in my life experience and diverse knowledge. I've done it all right. A+ performance. My social and cultural pockets are deep and heavy - I have stored up what the world has given me and invested it for more profit.

The problem now comes in my desire to use that social currency; to depend on that in social situations as my security. I am depending on my investments to carry me through. But 'where your treasure is, there your heart is also', says Jesus. And he also tells us, "it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.”

I am the rich young ruler being asked to give up all of my possessions for the sake of following Christ. And here the anxiety sets in. Will I be like St. Francis of Assisi and risk all by setting aside the wisdom of this world, my social status, and financial security? Will you?

The wisdom books of the Bible (Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Job to name a few) tell us that the wisdom of this world is meaningless without the fear of God. We can learn cultural and social survival until the cows come home, but for what? Perhaps I need to be more diligently focusing my everyday education on how to lift others up with words and actions rather than defending my honor. Or listening more patiently to another's story without trying to interject my own. Or maybe even speaking the truth into a friends life that will cut in some way - but needs to be said for the sake of growth. Any other thoughts?