A bit more than a week ago our preacher talked about greed. Her style was compelling, her illustrations good and her main points -- ho-hum. So I got to thinking about greed. I ask myself, "What do I know about greed?"
Here are a few of my thoughts as a faith-person, a thinking-person and a wondering-person.
First, greed is more than having more than survival possessions. I recall reading about monastic orders in which, to conquer greed, no monk was allowed to own even his own clothing, certainly not his prayer book or Bible. Did such rules conquer greed? Maybe, but probably not.
So if a person owns more than one plate, one fork, etc., is that person greedy? Maybe, but probably not.
If a person owns two pair of shoes, one for dress and one for outside work or walking, does that qualify as greed?
If a couple owns more than one car, instead of getting up early for work so one can take the other to work, etc., is that greed?
Can I distinguish between "wants" and "greed"? Between "improving" and "greed"? Between saving for retirement and greed?
Our preacher seemed to think that most of us own too much stuff, so we are greedy. Maybe so, maybe not. Have you ever tried to give stuff away? It is really not easy. I have a used laptop I'd like to give away, but the ARC truck won't take it. I have a nice stuffed chair that swivels I would like someone to enjoy. So far, no one wants it. As we get closer to retirement we have to downsize. Things we needed for kids and grandkids could be used by someone else. Oh, wait! Few people want pre-owned things.
So what does it mean to be greedy? To update the furnace (it failed five days ago), or the car? Are we greedy to do so?
I'll continue this in another blog article, but I wonder what you think? Really THINK? Leave your comment and let us know.
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