Money for Nothing

The second deadly social sin according to Mahatma Gandhi was "wealth without work". This was highlighted in an old song by Dire Straits "Money for Nothin'" where the idea was that guitar heroes "get their money for nuthin' and their chicks for free". The concept of wealth without work is a common theme in our day and age. Think about the ageless "Publisher's Clearinghouse Giveaway" or any of the myriad lottery offers. If you just spend a dollar, you could win millions. The studies of the winners however, yields a portrait of despair and destruction, instead of the beautiful and carefree life that ticket buyers envision. Funny how money doesn't change the person that you are and the decisions that you make. Money for nothing shows again the truth in the adage "there is no free lunch"; or as Christian scripture says, "where your treasure lies, there your heart will be also". Wealth without work - it really is a problem, isn't it?! When one doesn't earn a living, doesn't have "sweat equity" or is truly invested in the job, then there is often a lack of committment. It is a common finding among Habitat for Humanity home owners. They are given a house that they often have spent only a modest amount of time building, and they go about treating it poorly afterwards. Their newfound "wealth" is meaningless and hasn't changed their life or their lack of training on how to keep a house - many often have had little or nothing of their own for their whole lives. Handouts often keep people down rather than raising them up. There is a mantra in social services agencies that says "never do anything for someone that they can and should do for themselves". In other words, teach them to fish rather than just giving them fish. This philosophy is why microcredit organizations like Oikocredit are so popular and so effective. They give micro-loans to persons across the globe (mostly women) to spur businesses that otherwise wouldn't be albe to get off the ground. The Heifer Project is another initiative that comes to mind that gives wealth in the form of livestock - but then teaches the receipients how to care for and make profitable the raising of animals. This week I'd like you to take a good long look at the charity(ies) that you support. Which one or ones are lifting people up - helping them find wealth through work? Many of us look at year's end to give some of our money away. This philanthropy is the life blood for so many non-profits. However, make sure that your largess is not creating more problems than it is solving. Support programs and groups that seek to lift people up and improve the lives for all. Peace for the journey, Dan