There Must Be A Better Way

My wife and I attend a church
that meets on the east side of town.
We looked a long time for a place to go
that was built on the solid ground
of biblical views that matched our own,
and I thought that place was found.

But now I’m inclined to think that we
have made a big mistake.
Last Sunday the preacher laid it out:
it’s better to give than to take;
generous spirits are a joy to God,
Let’s do it for Jesus’ sake.

Starting soon, he said, in this new year,
each person will sell what he owns
so that everyone has enough to rise
above the poverty zone.
No one should live at hunger’s door,
we’re about to set the tone

for living our faith in a meaningful way.
That’s the sermon in a word.
Why can we study Daniel again?
Maybe someone hasn’t heard
the Plan of Salvation, the Commandments, all ten;
now there’s a helpful word.

Should I leave this place or should I stay?
Can’t we choose our truth to fit the way
we see the world from day to day?
The game of life is a hard one to play!
You don’t earn it all to give it away!
Bad luck might move in and decide to stay.

I know! I’ve read the Book of Acts;
they set the precedent there.
But I have to ask, my Dearest Friend,
do you think this is really fair?
I paid a lot for that new set of clubs,
Picasso, I have a pair.

I’ve never liked that story in Acts,
sounds Commie, Pinko, strange.
If I had my way, I’d take that book
and thoughtfully rearrange
the truth to coincide with all
that fits within my range.

of beliefs, definitions of God’s sacred truth.
Did I mention the Rolls I just bought?
Betty would have to sell all her furs.
I just don’t agree that we ought
to give away things we’ve worked hard to gain.
I feel I’m suddenly caught

by a hard and painful decision to make:
do I go or do I stay?
Could I just sell half and keep the house
on the beach at Crystal Bay?
Living Acts 3 is so hard to do.
Well, adios; I’m on my way

to find that perfect Christian Church
that reads Revelation each day,
follows the path that Jesus takes
and listens to what I say.
Sell all you have and share with the poor?
There must be a better way!