In addition to consuming much Christian content, I follow many creators who almost never mention religion.
I was thus surprised when several referenced the "Matthew effect," which takes its name from Matthew 25:29: "For to all those who have, more will be given, and they will have an abundance; but from those who have nothing, even what they have will be taken away."
It's a way of talking about how the rich get richer and the poor get poorer.
I find it rather curious that this term has stuck among thinkers who may not read the Gospel of Matthew (and who may not know that you can find an almost identical line in Luke and Mark as well).
People have found examples of the Matthew effect in many areas of life. For example, early success in reading often leads to later academic success. Kids can fall further behind if basic skills are not in place.
For those of us who not only hear about the Matthew effect but also pray with the Gospel of Matthew, we could recognize that we already have an abundance.
From the beginning (Matt 1:23) to the end (Matt 28:20) of Matthew's gospel, we hear, God is with us. And this changes everything.
Knowing that we are not alone, we don't have to be afraid to strive to do something great. And there's a different tenor to our striving.
We give glory to the one in whose image we were created. Worldly success may or may not come, but we already have an abundance.