Lately I have been thinking a lot about the economic situation in our country and also globally.
I have been learning about socialism and capitalism and why people hold these views.
I now believe that neither of these viewpoints are a real solution to the economic crisis we are
facing and they are really not all that different from each other.
Capitalism claims to put industry and trade into the hands of private individuals instead of into
the hands of the government. But ultimately the government puts regulations on what can and can
and can not be done. The rich sit on top and the poor get nothing. The wealthy people are the
people with the most influence in society and they "rule the world."
On the other hand we have socialism which claims to give everyone an "equal distribution of
wealth." But once again the government is the one who gives out the wealth and regulates spending.
This obviously does not cure the problem either. Those on top are still on top. Russia is an example
and so is France. Both of these countries abolished their monarchies in the interests of the people and
then they got something worse called anarchy. After anarchy comes absolute government control.
Taxation is supposed to guarantee those in need public services but
it does not always work that way. Private citizens are funding President Obama's little golfing
expeditions and private citizens are also funding unnecessary government research projects like
landing on Mars.
The big issue is Greed. Greed in the world and greed creeping into the Church of Christ. Jesus said
in the bible that we can not "serve both God and Money." Tolkien's Novel the Lord of the Rings is
really a an allegory about power corruption and Greed. Jesus talks about the Pharisees devouring
widows houses in the name of doing God's work. Jesus also said he desires compassion and not
sacrifice! The idea that God needs your money to do this and that is wrong and simply not biblical.
I was talking about this very matter with someone and that very evening during my devotional time
with God I read these verses from Hebrews without even knowing that they would directly apply to
what we were discussing. Hebrews 13:5 says, " Stay away from the love of money; be satisfied with
what you have. For God has said, 'I will never fail you. I will never forsake you.'" This verse sums it
up so well. The reason why we have poor people is because of the Greed of mankind. We can not
be simply content with what we have and the blessings that God has given to us. We must get the
latest this or the latest that. We should instead be looking to God as our provider. Being grateful is
part of the solution. The other part of the solution can be found in verse 16. Verse 16 says, "Don't
forget to do good and to share what you have with those in need, for such sacrifices are pleasing to
God." This is an imperative command! We must help those who are in need. This does not mean
we throw away our money with our eyes closed... this means we are a blessing and help to those
around us in need on a daily basis.
So the answer to the problem would be really quite simple. But we are no longer the Christian
nation we once were. 1) If we are Christians than we should be obeying God's word which teaches
us to be a) grateful for what we do have and b) provide for those in need around us. 2) If we do
this, God will bless us and take care of us. Selflessness is opposite of Greed and in a
world sinking in moral decay... our best bet as believers is to follow what the bible says in our own
lives and let that be a witness to those around us. With Christmas upon us... let's remember
the ultimate gift of God's love which was sending Jesus to us. We can go further this holiday season
by giving instead of constantly getting. I mentioned briefly the Lord of the Rings. I would like to
finish this blog by posting a rather long quote from that book. This quote was spoken by the Lady
Galadriel. Galadriel was a beautiful and powerful lady who did much good... but even she realized in
her best good if she possessed the ring she would still fall under the weight of Greed. If we ever
think we are beyond greed and human nature... we should think again. The ring should be given to
God... no mere man can shoulder the burden.
"“And now at last it comes. You will give me the Ring freely! In place of the Dark Lord you will set up a Queen. And I shall not be dark, but beautiful and terrible as the Morning and the Night! Fair as the Sea and the Sun and the Snow upon the Mountain! Dreadful as the Storm and the Lightning! Stronger than the foundations of the earth. All shall love me and despair!”
She lifted up her hand and from the ring that she wore there issued a great light that illuminated her alone and left all else dark. She stood before Frodo seeming now tall beyond measurement, and beautiful beyond enduring, terrible and worshipful. Then she let her hand fall, and the light faded, and suddenly she laughed again, and lo! she was shrunken: a slender elf-woman, clad in simple white, whose gentle voice was soft and sad.
“I pass the test”, she said. “I will diminish, and go into the West and remain Galadriel." JRR TOLKIEN'S LORD OF THE RINGS
One final question.... Will you pass the test?
