Greed is rife. Whether it is for money, for food, for sex, for possessions, for drink, for just more, more, more; everyone has it in them. Even the word ‘greed’ is ugly! Elongated, slimy, skin crawling sound ‘greeeeeeed’.
Watching people, on the news this week, scavenging on the beach in Devon from the wreck of the MS Napoli, despite the warnings about the hazardous chemicals amongst the floating cargo, taking things that don’t belong to them whilst the environment around them becomes more endangered made me feel really uneasy and a bit sick.
Greed in our culture for possessions or money or fame is often for the sense of security or identity that they bring. This morning on Radio 4, Oliver James was discussing his latest book ‘Affluenza’ and here’s an excerpt from an article published in the Observer about what he has to say:
“ The Affluenza virus is a set of values which increase our vulnerability to psychological distress: placing a high value on acquiring money and possessions, looking good in the eyes of others and wanting to be famous. Many studies have shown that infection with the virus increases your susceptibility to the commonest mental illnesses: depression, anxiety, substance abuse and personality disorder.”
Isn’t that worrying? Greed propels us to do damaging things to ourselves and one another; it is the ‘need’ part of our humanity that has been skewed. We search and crave for the wrong things to satisfy us when Jesus has been there all along, beckoning us to come to Him, to find a home in Him. If we would only allow him, he would provide all the security and identity we would ever require.
I keep thinking about Lent and how I can counteract the effect of greed in my life during that sacred time. I have a couple of ideas, not to be shared as a Lenten promise will between me and God but if you have any suggestions, let me know!
All I want to desire is more of Jesus in my life.
Hi Jo, a lovely post. I tend to think about the positive values or virtues I want to cultivate in response to something that is life-draining. So in this case I would practice generosity wherever I could and reflect on what that means practically in my daily life. Blessings, Christine
Thanks Christine!
Love your new site by the way, it looks beautiful! Am looking forward to your book about Lectio Divina being published and also seeing your giftcards – I saw the the cards you had printed by Moo and they are so striking, you have a real gift for photography. I check in every day at your blog so keep the lovely, challenging posts coming too!
Love Jo