Spreading a Different Kind of Wealth

Okay, this keeps coming back to me, so although it's not refined in any way, I think it's important enough to just say.

As much as I don't like those who don't share and then complain that they are not universally loved, I do see the point of most of my conservative friends when they claim that there is something strikingly hypocritical about the baseness of the enlightened masses as exemplified in the Occupy movement.

A novel idea--which is not mine--has now been brought to my attention repeatedly (and when that happens--uh-oh!).

Simply, it is this: Share what you have.  If you have no material things, share the spiritual things.  What you have given will come back to you overflowing.

Galatians 5:²² But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ²³ gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. (courtesy of BibleGateway.com, emphasis mine).

The world is crying out for love.  Some people tell me I look like an idiot because I smile at everyone, but I can't tell you the responses I get.  People are longing for affection, for kindness, for patience.  And even in the very small amount I am able to supply, it is repaid!  I had never thought of it as an economy before, but in many senses it is.  "Store up your treasures in heaven...."  We are abundantly supplied for...as long as we share (and I don't just mean money).

I have a friend who is the epitome of all that was good with the Occupy movement.  She is out there teaching, doing what she can to be responsible, giving back.  I have other friends who are both politically and religiously conservative who are also out there doing what they can, being responsible, giving back.

In the end, it is not even a strictly Christian idea.  Gandhi said, "Be the change you want to see in the world."

So, in the words of Nike, "Just do it."  Be the change.  Share it. 

No excuses.  Don't let taxes hold you back.  Don't let a bank account keep you from sharing a joy with your neighbor.

Against such things there is no law.