We are in serious trouble when we let our values be erased or levelled by money considerations. Today's society seems to believe (collectively) that money is the means to, the end of, and the yardstick for all things.
Older members of the family are not listened to when they wear scuffed shoes or slippers, while younger members of our communities flaunt their newly acquired earthly goods to impress upon everybody else how virtuous (yes, virtuous), smart and wise they are.
People driving to church in airconditioned Benzes and BMWs are given the best seats and if they are known to be generous at collection time, chances are they'll be asked to become "elders" in less than a couple of years. Have you ever seen the old lady who comes in slippers to sweep the church before the cult (and has been doing so for years) being offered a seat with the elders? have you ever seen ushers respectfully carry her bible to her seat at the front of the congregation? Nevermind the poor lady of Mark 12:41-44.
Older members of the family are not listened to when they wear scuffed shoes or slippers, while younger members of our communities flaunt their newly acquired earthly goods to impress upon everybody else how virtuous (yes, virtuous), smart and wise they are.
People driving to church in airconditioned Benzes and BMWs are given the best seats and if they are known to be generous at collection time, chances are they'll be asked to become "elders" in less than a couple of years. Have you ever seen the old lady who comes in slippers to sweep the church before the cult (and has been doing so for years) being offered a seat with the elders? have you ever seen ushers respectfully carry her bible to her seat at the front of the congregation? Nevermind the poor lady of Mark 12:41-44.
Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins,(worth only a fraction of a penny.)
Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.
Now I'm not saying we should be poor to be virtuous. I'm saying that money should not be made the centre of our lives, as it sadly is for far too many people.
What I would like us to do is ponder about what our real aim is in life, remembering that money can NOT be it; how we can reach this aim WITHOUT sacrificing our beliefs, rather enhancing them, living them, using them as markers, beacons, and guidelines on this journey; how we can use setbacks to the full and learn from them lessons that will help us be better at what we are doing, better at being human beings, living in society, and reach harmony with our inner self and our environment.
Then money will take care of itself. When you stop being obsessed with it, you have more time and brain matter available to plan for a more all-encompassing success, which will naturally include money.
And let's always remember that we are never too poor to be able to offer a smile, a helping hand to someone in need, or an ear to listen to them. Neither are we ever too rich do to so.
No comments:
Post a Comment