"But Jesus said to them, 'A prophet is not without honor except in his own country, among his own relatives, and in his own house.'" (Mark 6:4)

"And He called the twelve to Him, and began to send them out two by two, and gave them power over unclean spirits. He commanded them to take nothing for the journey except a staff-no bag, no bread, no copper in their money belts-but to wear SANDALS,. And not to put on two tunics." (Mark 6:7-9)

Jesus attempted to instill in His followers an ethic of simplicity. Today His teachings and example, are not only not followed by most Christians, but Jesus would be ridiculed if He anonymously entered the very churches were His name is worshipped.

Tragically, far too many persons who believe themselves to be Christians are motivated more by the desire for personal gain and status than by an honest commitment to live as Christ would wish them to live.

Stand before the most socially prominent churches in your community on any Sunday morning and you will see the multitudes entering the sanctuary wearing gold and diamonds, and jewelry and finery. It is doubtful you will see anyone dressing as Jesus would dress, wearing sandals and the simple clothing of a person who works with their hands.

Much of this finery was purchased at the expense of God's Creation. Perhaps the diamond encrusted watch was purchased with the profits of draining one of God's few remaining marshes. Perhaps the fine gown was purchased with the profits gained from the clear cutting of one of God's beautiful forests. Perhaps the new car in the parking lot was purchased with the profits from paving over one of God's prairie flower gardens.

The trading of God's Creation for temporal vanity is an abomination to God. The rich must turn away from the worship of earthly possessions, and use their surplus to restore the Earth, and bring peace and happiness to all of its inhabitants if they are enter the kingdom of heaven.

If you are one of them, please tithe your unnecessary trappings of luxury and wealth to the glory of God and His Creation. The sale of your diamond watch could purchase a remnant of Eden to dedicate to the glory of God as a perpetual Wilderness Cathedral.