The Problem of Greed

For the longest time I have been saying the basic problem in the world today is one of greed. Greed is one of the seven deadly sins and the premise of greed basically says I do not have enough and I always need more. If that means you have less then so be it, that is your fault but I will do whatever it takes to get more.

The problem with greed is in a world of limited resources like the one in which we live greed divides the world into two basic categories the haves and the have nots. What develops as a result of the division created by greed is a competition between the two groups. Those who have not want the things those of those who have. The "haves" on the other hand desire to hang onto their elite status at the top of the ladder.

As a person of faith I need to look at the problem of greed and see the solution to the greed issue is what I call the principle of enough. As look at life I need some basic things: food, shelter, job, health care and transportation to name a few. Take shelter for example: we live in a house, it is not a fancy house, it is a basic structure, several rooms and while it is nothing fancy it is enough for me and my wife and in some instances it is more than enough. We definitely do not need a bigger house and in some cases we could even downsize to a smaller one just because our kids are grown and no longer live with us. Because I have enough in this area of my life rather than going out and buying something bigger I make a conscious choice to help another get into a house by working with a group like Habitat for Humanity (an organization that builds housing for lower income people).

The principle of enough works on the premise that I have been blessed by God and because i have been blessed by God I can provide for my family and share what I have been entrusted with others who have not been so fortunate.

I still fall into the greed trap from time to time seeing the latest technology come out and feel how great it would be to have it. Then after I get I realize it was not so great and I could have used the money to help someone eat or have a warm place to stay.

I must say I have been blessed and I have enough to live the life God has given me to live. When I understand this I discover I don't need the things I think I do in order to have a meaningful life.