Posted by
peripheral on Tuesday, November 03, 2009 6:44:07 AM
From My Perspective - - -
When is enough – enough? For those who want to receive something for
nothing, are they ever satisfied? If a special “Midnight Madness Sale”
is being held at a Business, what is the decorum and behavior of those
wanting to be “first” so they can grab the “most” (whether or not they
actually need it)? If there is an actual error in pricing, do most
people point that out to the merchant or take advantage of it? There
was this incident in Columbus, Ohio on October 12th, 2009 headlined:
“Clothing Store Trashed After Woman’s Winning Lottery Claim.” The
report states: “Hundreds of people were left disappointed Tuesday after
a woman who claimed she won the lottery promised to return to a
clothing store and spend her winnings on all the customers. The woman
said she won $500,000 and wanted to buy clothes for customers at the
east side Burlington Coat Factory…The offer was extended to every
shopper at the East Main Street store and not just for clothes…a
shopper said: "I just need assistance with my rent and she said, How
much is it? and she promptly wrote out a check….The woman asked
customers to tell their friends and family about her offer and said she
would stay until the store closed…The woman then announced to the store
that she was returning to the bank to secure more cash but by 3 p.m.,
police announced that the shopping spree was over and turned the crowds
away…When shoppers learned the merchandise would not be paid for, some
customers trashed the store…”
Certain obvious truths stand out as and when this incident occurred:
(1) Some people were in the store looking for a particular item of
clothing and were just shopping; (2) Some people were there wondering
how they could afford what they genuinely needed – some with restricted
finances, and personal needs; (3) Some people appeared and responded
out of a greed motive – something for nothing and “I want in on the
action whether or not I have any need for any of the stuff” (these may
be the same ones who trashed or looted the store when they discovered
the giveaway was a hoax). The store had nothing to do with the hoax,
yet they suffered the loss and consequence of this event. One has to
feel especially sorry for those with financial needs who would have
benefited IF this offer had been bonafide. Its no wonder why a growing
number feel so downtrodden and neglected. Sadly, the government expands
its control and power as they project “caring” whereas most care only
about the next election and as many votes as they can garner. Giveaway
programs by the Government are similar to the woman’s hoax in the
Columbus, Ohio store – all promise but little – if any – benefit for
those have the least and who need the most - hoping for something –
anything - to alleviate serious need!
A secular society can be focused upon and absorbed by the Insufficiency
Of Superfluity (Superfluity = a superabundant or excessive amount,
luxury) – always wanting more whether it is needed or deserved.
The nation would do well to remember and apply – I Timothy 6:6-10 (The
New Living Translation): Yet true religion with contentment is great
wealth…we didn't bring anything with us when we came into the world,
and we certainly cannot carry anything with us when we die…if we have
enough food and clothing, let us be content. But people who long to be
rich (and have all kinds of stuff) fall into temptation and are trapped
by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and
destruction. For the love of money (and stuff) is at the root of all
kinds of evil. And some people, craving money (and other stuff), have
wandered from the faith…”
Similar words in Hebrews 13:5-6, “Keep your lives free from the love of
money (and things, and stuff) and be content with what you have,
because God has said: Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you!
So we say with confidence, The Lord is my helper; I will not be
afraid!”
There needs to be genuine caring for the genuinely poor and needy (not
the greedy)! There needs to be a sharing from what one has with those
who would be benefited because they have little or nothing. Caring is
more than just Giving – it is Compassion for those who are least among
us and who desperately need someone to show them love and concern. Can
YOU be that someone? Are YOU…? Consider these things with me!