I've been shocked by all the talk of stimulus packages that don't stimulate anything except the pockets of banks, Wall Street CEO's, and poorly run corporations. Since the stock market reached its pinnacle in October 2007, it has steadily declined; yet during the same period of time, over $18 billion was paid in bonuses to top executives on Wall Street. Bank of America requested $20 billion of aid, while their CEO (John Thain) spent $1.2 million redecorating his office. AIG was given financial assistance, then spent a chunk of it irresponsibly on a party. Banks were given money for bailouts and in hopes that it would help thaw the credit markets, but all they've done is hoard it. It's tougher than ever to get a mortgage loan. The list of non-sense goes on, it's deflating our dollar, it's destroying our country, ... and it is all fueled by GREED!
Greed is the politician passing a "stimulus" package for the sake of popularity in his political career. Greed is a package that gives money to big political supporters and pet projects, but only applies 12% of the money toward stimulating the economy. (Some have said that if the government dispersed the same amount of money to the taxpayers, it would put $100,000+ directly into your pocket and I guarantee that would stimulate the economy!) Greed is what motivates good people to become political whores just to get elected. Greed is the CEO who accepts his bonus after running the company amok and losing the money of those who trusted him. Greed is the root cause of the financial mess America is in. 1 Tim 6:10 NIV states it clearly, "For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs." America is a post-Christian nation that has pursued financial wealth and cast off its spiritual moorings!
Greed is also a root cause for the decline in America's churches. Greed motivates people to want things their way. Greed causes some to lay claim to particular seats in the church. Greed causes people to fight over musical preferences... to oppose changes that would help reach more people... to use terms such as "MY church"... to stand in the way of progress, for the sake of protecting their museum. Greed causes congregations to view others as competitors and the church as an exclusive club which only accepts members who meet their criteria.
Greed is also a root cause contributing to the failure of many American families. Greed caused people to buy homes they couldn't afford... to drive cars they shouldn't have owned... and to borrow more than they could never pay back. Greed causes spouses to be unfaithful... daddy's to put time at work ahead of time with the kids... to focus on keeping up with others, rather than measuring up to God's expectation. Greed ultimately costs you everything you were so greedy to get.
To put this very simply -- greed is a sin and is destroying our government, families, and churches. So how do we overcome it? Make a choice! The options are to choose to be selfish or selfless, self-centered or Christ-centered, self-absorbed or others-oriented. Jesus set the example of being others oriented. He did the will of His Father and gave His life for the ransom of many. What about you politician, parent, and parishioner? We would all do well to follow Christ's example.
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