From My Perspective - - -

It is strange that so much attention in our nation and world has focused on class distinctions and wealth-envy. It has become an ongoing part of the political climate of our day and it does so by emphasizing over and over again the richest 1 percent versus the non-rich 99 percent. No one ever pauses to ask who comprises that 1 percent nor where they live in the world. The talking points of most politicians demean those of means while stirring up the rest to clamor for what that 1 percent has – namely, redistribution of their wealth.

CNN Money published a Headline Story on January 4, 2012 – “Americans Make Up Half Of The World's Richest 1%.” How many are there in that 1% bracket?  Do the protest groups know? Do the Politicians who seek the vote of the poor adequately define the who and where of the 1%? Why do you think they omit the facts in that regard? There are 60 million people who fit into the designation of the World’s Richest. The CNN Money Report states: “The United States holds a disproportionate amount of the world's rich people. It only takes $34,000 a year, after taxes, to be among the richest 1% in the world. That's for each person living under the same roof, including children. (So a family of four, for example, needs to make $136,000.) So where do these lucky rich people live? As of 2005 -- the most recent data available -- about half of them, or 29 million lived in the United States, according to calculations by World Bank economist Branko Milanovic in his book The Haves and the Have-Nots. Another four million live in Germany. The rest are mainly scattered throughout Europe, Latin America and a few Asian countries…” The breakdown of the others is: 3 million in France, 3 Million in Italy and 3 Million in Great Britain; 2 million in Canada, 2 Million in Japan, 2 Million in Brazil and 2 Million in South Korea; the other Million are scattered throughout the countries of Switzerland, Spain, Australia, Netherlands, Taiwan, Chile, Singapore and a few other countries.

We should never allow ourselves to become calloused or indifferent toward the poor and needy. Their plight is dreadful and their needs are considerable. We must remember, implement and practice James 2:12-15 (NLT), “…whatever you do, remember that you will be judged by the law of love, the law that set you free. For there will be no mercy for you if you have not been merciful to others. But if you have been merciful, then God's mercy toward you will win out over his judgment against you. Dear brothers and sisters, what's the use of saying you have faith if you don't prove it by your actions? That kind of faith can't save anyone. Suppose you see a brother or sister who needs food or clothing, and you say, Well, good-bye and God bless you; stay warm and eat well -- but then you don't give that person any food or clothing. What good does that do?” A Goal worthy of consideration is:Do as much as you can for as many as you can.

One must also be careful and guarded regarding envy. There is a statement of candor and transparency in this regard in Psalm 73:2-7, “But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled; My steps had nearly slipped. For I was envious of the boastful, When I saw the prosperity of the wicked. For there are no pangs in their death, But their strength is firm. They are not in trouble as other men, Nor are they plagued like other men. Therefore pride serves as their necklace; Violence covers them like a garment. Their eyes bulge with abundance; They have more than heart could wish…” In Psalm 73:11-14 (NLT) we find these words: “Does God realize what is going on? they ask. Is the Most High even aware of what is happening? Look at these arrogant people - enjoying a life of ease while their riches multiply. Was it for nothing that I kept my heart pure and kept myself from doing wrong? All I get is trouble all day long; every morning brings me pain.” A truth that one must remember is contained in Psalm 37:1-12, “ Do not fret because of evil men or be envious of those who do wrong…Trust in the Lord and do good…Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him…those who hope in the Lord will inherit the land…the meek will inherit the land and enjoy great peace.” The promises of God are sure and will never fail. Let your hope and confidence be in Him always.  Consider these things with me!