He’s a witch! Stone him!

My truck was broken into and I had left my iPod in there. So it was one of the things that was stolen from me. Newly married and barely making it we couldn’t afford to just go buy a new one. I was at a Young Life Leaders retreat a few weeks after this happened. It was in one of the classes that weekend that we talked about our priorities in our life. I realized I had put more time and money into a silly gadget than I put into my relationship with God.

Eventually I saved up the money to buy a new one. But I told my self that I couldn’t get it until I had my priorities straight. A month or so later I went and got my replacement. But from that time on I have had a new outlook on the “things” I have an what I put my time and energy into.

I would lie if I said I still didn’t want the new iPhone, or want the better DSLR camera or want a bigger TV. I have realized that I have more fun with my things when I get to share them. I use my phone to stay in contact with my students at church, I have the youth group over for movie nights and share my TV, etc.

I remember being told as a kid to eat all my dinner because there were starving kids in Africa who would feel very fortunate to have the food I have. I remember thinking how absurd it sounded that weather or not I ate my dinner could have any effect on a kid in Africa. I think the same thing today when I hear folks complain about inflated salaries or excessive spending. If Bill Gates makes less money, will that house the homeless? Probably not. In fact, between the amount of cash he gives to various charities and the number of jobs Microsoft accounts for, I’d say Mr Gate’s high income is fighting homelessness, not contributing to it.

I’d even argue that the question “what can I gain” may not even be bad in itself. People who ask themselves that question often start very profitable businesses that create jobs and feed families. The ethic rests in what you’re willing to do for that gain. Are you willing to cheat and exploit to get what you want? And, as you said, can you also ask yourself, “what can I offer?”

finally, the fact that you linked to to teamsugar.com negates your entire post.