It amuses me that so much of our country professes that we are a “christian nation”, whilst our entire economy and society is pretty much based on mindless consumption, envy and coveting of what others have, and just the overall pursuit of material goods.

Great post. You are exactly right on every point.

My husband often reminds me that I could not donate to my favorite causes if I didn’t have the financial wherewithal to do so. One could argue that my time and skills, etc., would also be valuable to these organizations, but sometimes money is really what they need. Thus, I do take his point seriously.

One of my favorite quotes is, “There’s enough success in the world for everyone.” I’m sure this quote alone could stir up many comments, and I get that, but believing in this basic concept has changed me a great deal. What a bigger, more generous person I can be in all facets of my life.

Lsstly, I’ll work on developing humility and share that I got the above quote from an episode of Army Wives, a TV show on Lifetime. And, though this next statement is admittedly about regaining some pride, I also feel compelled to share that I haven’t watched the show in years!

Thanks again for a great post.

The one that hit me between the eyes that I have been reminded of quite a few times this week is to build others up rather than tear them down. I believe this to be an important one for me to deal with in life.

Peace!

I think your last sentence should read, “and what if we could break these patterns of culture by looking outside ourselves? then, and only then, can a new world finally emerge.”

@jeffrey – i appreciate a good devil’s advocate to further analysis, thanks. my point came from my belief that many of society’s injustices throughout history have been rooted in a desire for riches and power. whether it be slavery, poverty, sex-trade, or inadequate health care, most of those injustices are rooted in greed and/or selfishness. this greed tends to expose itself as one ruling class afraid to offer opportunity to another class for fear of losing power or wealth. i do believe that capitalism leads to creativity and wealth for many (as long as they have opportunity of course). but i am against desiring wealth at the expense of allowing access to others.

@lil – you are correct. many of the examples above do not represent an either/or scenario. there is balance in most of the items listed above (pride and humility can and should be present in all of our lives to varying degrees). the points listed are designed to force us to rethink many of the excesses that have naturally evolved in much of society. or as @martijn stated, “cause us to ask the what if questions.”