When tough economic times hit, there is always the question as to whether greed is the cause of our economic problems. However, this isn't necessarily the root of the problem. It is a bit more complex than that. Railing against the greed in capitalism doesn't take into consideration the other factors that are equally present. Greed can also be for power. Power comes with money, but it isn't always the money people are after. This is why big government is as dangerous as corporate monopolies. The people who have consolidated significant power tend to be corrupted by it. As human beings, we all tend to lean toward materialism in our actions, and find our personal significance and value in things we control and own.
There is a spiritual aspect to the problem of materialism. It is a worldview that fuels greed. Our society has been increasingly embracing the worldview of naturalism, of which materialism is a part. Naturalism holds that knowledge is limited to what we can see and that everything must be thought of in physical terms. Naturalism ignores the spiritual aspects of life, considering them more like superstitions. So we tend to move toward seeking our personal value in the things we possess and the things we control. To make matters worse, we also discount objective truth. The end result is there are no standard set of values we all hold common, and that means there is no foundation for society to build on.
So in America, we have come to equate financial wealth with a higher level of happiness. This is partly what is wrong with the caste system in India. The belief behind it is materialistic. This worldview is illustrated well in the movie Slumdog Millionaire. However, what we really need is a purpose for our life. But we can't find purpose in physical things. Since we have decided that objective truth can only be found in scientific conclusions, we have dismissed the existence of truth beyond what we can see, hear, feel, taste, or touch. Yet there is a non-physical reality where we find our sense of purpose and meaning in life. We are ignoring half of the knowledge we could be gaining by ignoring the knowledge from the non-physical realm. In Hosea 4:6 in the Old Testament, it tells us what happens when we lack knowledge. There are moral shortcomings that lead to a downfall. The ways of the people are characterized by self gratification and greed.
So the real solution to our economic and financial problems doesn't lie in putting our trust in an economic theory about what will restore our economy, but rather it lies in recognizing the thinking that has led us astray. As a nation we are turning away from the Bible as a source of moral authority, which was certainly in the minds of the founders of our country. It is found throughout the federal and state constitutions, as well as our Bill of Rights. It even says on our money "In God We Trust". It was this moral compass that has guided legislation in the early years of our country. But, as we have strayed from those original moral principles, we have caused the problems we have today. We have led our citizens to strange ideas about how the world works, and they have adopted them. We have let the marginalization of faith and the emphases on a materialistic worldview dominate, governed by a postmodern philosophy that denies any objective truth. It confuses our laws and destroys the core of what made this country strong.
Each individual can rise above this problem by returning to the Bible as a moral guide for their own lives and no matter what happens to us as a nation, they will find the strength through their faith in God to do what is good and right. They will find a sense of purpose that will give them the power to overcome adversity and will be the last ones standing in the end. These will be the people who were able to recognize their faith in God and the truth of the Bible heeding the wisdom of Proverbs 3:5 where it tells us to trust the Lord and not lean on our own understanding. We know what God teaches us in the Bible is reliable, and if we place our trust in that most reliable source, we've gone a long way to rising above the problems we have today.
For further discussion about materialism see Jim's article Slimdog Millionaire on his website.
Jim is a personal financial leading authority and author, an ordained minister, and an independent music artist. He has a Bachelor of Business in Finance, and a Masters of Religious Studies, graduating with honors. Jim has built multiple businesses since 1990, one of which was a computer training staffing company that grew to $6 million in annual sales with 21 employees and a nationwide customer base and competed as one of the top two firms in its market niche. He now owns his own independent record label and publishing company, which he operates completely debt free and owns the website www.howtolivedebtfreebook.com
Some of the happiest and most fulfilling days of my life were when I was in Youth With a Mission amd sometimes didn't even have 25 cents to make a phone call. thanks for writing this much needed focus article! Marijo (Mary Jo)
We need to write. We need to share the truth in love. We need to pray that those who read would have ears to hear and eyes to see.... time is short. Keep on writing! Marijo
Isn't it sad knowing how far we have gone astray and turning away from the Bible instead of towards it, as our moral guide. I hope and pray that a lot of people will read your article to see clearly the solution of our economic woes.
Thank you for this very articulate, uplifting article.
Jim, we are a greedy nation, but also a very giving nation. If a need is announced, it is often met, once the word is out. It is sad that so many do equate financial status with happiness. Good article.
The fact that we have always been a generous nation is often lost in the conversation. Thanks for making the point. I think that is one of the things that has made us a great nation.
An excellent article Jim and accurately presented. It is shameful just how far this country, as a whole, has removed itself from Godly morals and ethics. Even if people don't believe in a life after death, it would improve this nation (or any other) if it's citizenry would study and follow the teachings contained in the Holy Bible. Thanks for sharing this with us.
This was so well-said and you hit the nail on the head. People need something to believe in...if God is not in the picture, then their beliefs are centered on that which can never make them happy. Materialism or idolatry is not the answer because it always leads to wanting more. I pity those who have nothing in their soul, who 'have no sense of purpose,' who never know the joy of valuing that which is within and not that which is without.
Amen Jim, I appreciate the way you shared this truth. Keep sharing, the world needs this message. If just one person is challenged and changed by it, it is worth any flack you might get. Blessings to you! T
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