Finding the Road to Freedom... "The Greed Factor" 2013 A.D.

I have been recently attentive to our economic outlook on the national scale, particularly  with all the publicity of the federal government and their demise with the "fiscal cliff". Yet with all this economic concern we read of, I am also informed  the passing of a bill  by "both sides"to give government officials a raise, because their salaries have been on freeze since 2009. (OMG...I have friends who would be estactic to be at a freeze). Is this suppose to give me hope the Democrats and Republicans can work together? Are you kidding me? Combine these latest developments with the thoughts of the "conservative rights" and the "liberal lefts", ...I am then asked to announce to all: "Happy New Year!"..Really?
 Are there any words left to use or admire in the dictionary: Integrity...he retired? Leadership..took a personal leave of absence?...Honesty...not available at this time...something about they don't want "him" to speak?....

 You want to know what I think right now?...well...here is what I think anyway (lol)!

  " The greatest danger in our society today...is not poverty. In fact, the greatest danger is not even the misappropriation of funds....the greatest danger is one of antiquity...and this particular danger carries a menacing name...it's name is...Greed. The effect of this danger has been felt through the ages of history...perhaps as early as the events that developed in Genesis. Greed has left its mark....maiming, destroying, stealing, and killing anyone that is in its path or tries to challenge its selfish motives. Sometimes Greed disguises itself in the name of just causes, national security, or for the sake of survival...yet when one "looks behind the curtains"....there and there alone is this evil beast...driving the will of man...into utter Darkness."

 I am sure you have heard the phrase: "the world is goin' to hell in a hand basket"...well I think I would say: "the world is goin' to greed in a hand basket...and yes...the hand basket has a one way ticket...to hell!"

 Ok...who says I don't know how to start the New Year out right? (lol) Happy New Year Everyone!
 Actually, I am a pretty happy guy today, and am looking forward to what the year 2013 AD has for one and all...I am just "pressing on" as Saint Paul wrote and coined the phrase...on this "Road to Freedom"...the kind of Freedom we are to have in Christ Jesus.
 This one may take a little time...the "Greed Factor"...may have to divide this up into 2 or 3 parts.

 The Gospel of Saint Luke tells this story of a "rich fool". It's not the story of the "rich young ruler"...this is another guy altogether. It is in chapter 12 of St. Luke, starting around verse 13 and going through verse 21. Luke is the only Gospel to tell of this event.
 The point of the story, at least to me, is the fact that when a person plans for their future...when to retire, how much money you might need, where you might retire, etc., etc., that in itself is not bad...or wrong. In this story though, it appears this guy who is planning to retire...doesn't even consider asking God..."What are Your thoughts?" Rather, this person just goes right on making their plans, and because of their focus is on themselves...it brings another matter into the 'limelight'...and this one is close to God's own heart: The Cries of the Poor".
 And there lies the problem when we decide to make our own plans: give credit only to ourselves on what we have achieved, look for ways to make ourselves the most comfortable, and simply ignore those that may be hurting around us.

 The highlight of this particular story in Luke is in verse 15.  Jesus is speaking...about Greed...and makes this comment: " Guard yourselves from this one...Greed. Protect yourself from any and every part of him. He will get you to think...the more you have, the better off you are.
 I say this: Your life is not defined by what you have...whether you have little or you have alot. Life in my Father's Kingdom is this: helping the poor, supporting the widows, showing compassion to those burdened down in their sin, and giving...giving to those in need."

 There is alot to cover about Greed...and our attitude toward "stuff" and what we are to do with it.
 One final thought: this guy who was doing all this planning...how to "kick back" and enjoy his future...it was like he was saying to the Lord Himself: "Thanks for Your help...but I am doing fine...I got it all under control....go ahead and help someone who really needs You...I am doing fine on my own...and my future is...bright!!"

 What this guy didn't know...this was his last night...in this life. All the wealth, the plans, the future he had carved out for himself...someone else was going to take it over....