Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Insufficiency Of Superfluity

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!

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