Why Have So Many Self Identified Christians Become So Envious Of Other People And Their Wealth?
The dictionary defines envy as "a painful or resentful awareness of an advantage enjoyed by another joined with a desire to possess the same advantage".
It seems that once upon a time people had a strong sense that if you wanted something you should work for it. Today it seems that the prevailing idea is if you want something you should just be given it.
Today those we consider to be rich are envied, despised and looked upon as somehow being responsible for our own personal failings. It's unfair for some to have more than me has become the prevailing mantra. What is fair? Is it fair that some have cancer and others don't? Is it fair that some can throw a football better than others? There is so much that we whine about as being unfair, but the truth is what we define as unfair for the most part is focused on what we don't have. Basically if a person has a million dollars they could feel justified in considering it unfair that someone else has ten million.
Should a person who practices self-discipline and sacrifices many instant gratifications for their long term goals be punished for having reached those goals. Does the person who spends extra time studying to pass a test deserve to have his grade held down so the guy who spent the night drinking beer wouldn't feel a loss of self esteem? Does the guy sitting on the the couch watching TV really deserve the same considerations and benefits as the guy out in the cold working every day? Should a person be rewarded for having a baby out of wedlock or for refusing to take a job they considered beneath them? Is it fair to take by force from one who has earned and give to one who refuses to earn?
Does the proverbial couch-potato who is content to avoid every learning opportunity, for easy entertainment really deserve the same rewards as the person who worked, saved and invested their money, time and sweat and becomes financially successful?
What is it that seems to make Christians especially, so envious, so angry toward those they perceive to be wealthy? When I was much younger working for $.50 an hour I thought my boss was wealthy until I found out how much he owed on the store and what his obligations where in meeting his payroll each week and maintaining his stock. In reality based on the time he spent with the store business he wasn't really making that much more than me. It was also enlightening to learn he had started in the grocery business the same way I was. Instead of being envious It was inspiring. I never thought of taking what he had but to become more like him.
The nation seems to have become more and more divided and especially of with all the rhetoric and demands that the rich give more to support the government. This division has been perpetrated by a president, that has seen his own wealth increase millions of dollars in the past four years, and other politicians
who stir racial and economic unrest for personal benefits.
It is amazing to me that in this country even the poorest have lifestyles far and away above many considered to be middle class in other countries. Today one of the great concerns the government has for those they consider to be poor is the fact that so many are overweight. Around the world people are dying from hunger but our big concern is the poor eating to much. How weird is that?
Does the person with a hundred million dollars really live millions of times better than the person who only makes a minimum wage? Both have cars, maybe one isn't as exotic as the other but they both allow travel in comfort. One may have a bigger house than the other but both have the same heat, air conditioning, running water, bathrooms, appliances etc, to make their life more comfortable. Certainly there are differences but certainly not a million times better.
The Bible makes it very clear, envy that becomes resentment is a bad thing. The Bible also teaches that while contentment is desirous it must not become a substitute for laziness.
It seems that once upon a time people had a strong sense that if you wanted something you should work for it. Today it seems that the prevailing idea is if you want something you should just be given it.
Today those we consider to be rich are envied, despised and looked upon as somehow being responsible for our own personal failings. It's unfair for some to have more than me has become the prevailing mantra. What is fair? Is it fair that some have cancer and others don't? Is it fair that some can throw a football better than others? There is so much that we whine about as being unfair, but the truth is what we define as unfair for the most part is focused on what we don't have. Basically if a person has a million dollars they could feel justified in considering it unfair that someone else has ten million.
Should a person who practices self-discipline and sacrifices many instant gratifications for their long term goals be punished for having reached those goals. Does the person who spends extra time studying to pass a test deserve to have his grade held down so the guy who spent the night drinking beer wouldn't feel a loss of self esteem? Does the guy sitting on the the couch watching TV really deserve the same considerations and benefits as the guy out in the cold working every day? Should a person be rewarded for having a baby out of wedlock or for refusing to take a job they considered beneath them? Is it fair to take by force from one who has earned and give to one who refuses to earn?
Does the proverbial couch-potato who is content to avoid every learning opportunity, for easy entertainment really deserve the same rewards as the person who worked, saved and invested their money, time and sweat and becomes financially successful?
What is it that seems to make Christians especially, so envious, so angry toward those they perceive to be wealthy? When I was much younger working for $.50 an hour I thought my boss was wealthy until I found out how much he owed on the store and what his obligations where in meeting his payroll each week and maintaining his stock. In reality based on the time he spent with the store business he wasn't really making that much more than me. It was also enlightening to learn he had started in the grocery business the same way I was. Instead of being envious It was inspiring. I never thought of taking what he had but to become more like him.
The nation seems to have become more and more divided and especially of with all the rhetoric and demands that the rich give more to support the government. This division has been perpetrated by a president, that has seen his own wealth increase millions of dollars in the past four years, and other politicians
who stir racial and economic unrest for personal benefits.
It is amazing to me that in this country even the poorest have lifestyles far and away above many considered to be middle class in other countries. Today one of the great concerns the government has for those they consider to be poor is the fact that so many are overweight. Around the world people are dying from hunger but our big concern is the poor eating to much. How weird is that?
Does the person with a hundred million dollars really live millions of times better than the person who only makes a minimum wage? Both have cars, maybe one isn't as exotic as the other but they both allow travel in comfort. One may have a bigger house than the other but both have the same heat, air conditioning, running water, bathrooms, appliances etc, to make their life more comfortable. Certainly there are differences but certainly not a million times better.
The Bible makes it very clear, envy that becomes resentment is a bad thing. The Bible also teaches that while contentment is desirous it must not become a substitute for laziness.
posted by Allen Barrett | 10:45 AM
59 Comments:
Many people are dismayed at the fact that they are paying marginal tax rates of 25% or 28% when billionaires pay 15% or less, offshore their money, and have tax loopholes that the rest of us do not have access to. They are also concerned that corporations run roughshod over employees while the owners and top managers are enjoying obscene amounts of wealth from those corporations. Some of those corporations crow about making record profits while avoiding taxes altogether. Some of them even make record profits while taking advantage of government bailouts. This is not envy ... this is a plea for fairness.
4:14 I wouldn't know if what you said was true. I've never been rich and walked in their shoes, have you? To me it's all hear say.
Who voted against raising the ambulance fees?
It's hardly hearsay. Have you never heard Exxon bragging about record profits when fuel is almost to expensive to afford. Thing like that are what have folks panties in a wad.
According to the paper, commissioners Berenetta Houston and Tommy Pope voted NO.
You are aware that Exxon makes less profit on a gallon of gas than the Federal and state governments. You do understand that the Federal government under the leadership of obama and his appointed energy czar have made public statements of their desire to have gasoline selling at the same price as European countries and that's over four dollars a gallon. You do know that they have announced that an increase in the federal gas tax is part of the current negotiations over the pending tax increase.
That probably is true, B, but you're neglecting to figure in the profit made from crude oil.
"Sen. Rand Paul claimed that oil companies earn only 7 cents on a gallon of gasoline. Not true. That figure does not include profit from producing and selling crude oil, so it grossly underestimates the amount companies earn on high gasoline prices. One oil analyst calls the figure "disingenuous."
Just my thinks on the matter.
Ray Lanier
You're right Ray they do make more on crude but the total profit from all sales from jet fuel to vaseline amounts to less than 13%. The government on the other hand has nothing invested yet takes 18.4 cents per gallon on gasoline then the state take another 21.4 for a total tax in Tennessee of 39.0 cents for every gallon sold. Diesel is even worse as the Feds take 24.4 cents per gallon and the state takes 18.4 cents per gallon for a total of 42.8 cents on every gallon sold.
Now while this money by law is to be used for highways it has been used for everything from bike paths, to greenways far from highways and even golf course construction and maintenance.
Also keep in mind that for the last several years oil companies have been the biggest contributors to pension funds from teachers to janitors. Those who purchased stock in those companies also benefit and that doesn't include the the 26 billion EXXON paid last year in federal taxes and royalties.
You're right Ray they do make more on crude but the total profit from all sales from jet fuel to vaseline amounts to less than 13%. The government on the other hand has nothing invested yet takes 18.4 cents per gallon on gasoline then the state take another 21.4 for a total tax in Tennessee of 39.0 cents for every gallon sold. Diesel is even worse as the Feds take 24.4 cents per gallon and the state takes 18.4 cents per gallon for a total of 42.8 cents on every gallon sold.
Now while this money by law is to be used for highways it has been used for everything from bike paths, to greenways far from highways and even golf course construction and maintenance.
Also keep in mind that for the last several years oil companies have been the biggest contributors to pension funds from teachers to janitors. Those who purchased stock in those companies also benefit and that doesn't include the the 26 billion EXXON paid last year in federal taxes and royalties.
The amount they paid in taxes alone should give folks a hint as to how much they make. They pay an average of 17.6 percent in taxes. They made a profit of over $41 billion in 2011.That's $5 mil and hour or $1300 each and every second.That is a 35% increase from 2010. How should I feel about this, paying the price at the pump that I do. I respect you, Allen, but you're not gonna make me feel sorry for big oil, it's just not going to happen. Good talk, Allen, good talk.
Ray Lanier
That should have been "an hour." My bad.
Ray Lanier
To interject: I may not feel sorry for big oil, but why then should they penalized for making a profit? What's the point of having a business if you don't make a profit? Take Facebook founder Z. He started with an idea--not even the likes I machinery, personel, etc,etc....he's made billions-so what? I an everyone else has that opportunity--I swear if I hear "well they've got it, they can afford more taxes" again I'm gonna explode! Flat out jealousy,envy. Sure I'd like to be raking it in too--but if I send a billionaire a bill for my cut because he/she has got it what response do you think I'd get? A laugh maybe. That's the problem (one if many) today in this country. Half don't want to work-an now when you do the government is going to punish you for being sucessful.
A semi-valid argument, 1:39, but even some millionaires themselves have said they have no problem with paying a higher share of taxes. If they don't mind, why should I? It's not even so much that I think they should pay more, just that the loopholes should be closed so they are paying at least the same percentage as everyone else. You know as well as I that the majority of the uber-wealthy keep a staff of lawyers and accountants on retainer to ensure a lower rate. Again, this is not all of them, as I have said, many are willing to pay more. Just something to think about.
Ray Lanier
Sorry Ray didn't intend to tray and change your mind just inform. I can't imagine anyone feeling sorry for big oil but people need to realize that big oil is several million people eating because of that paycheck and dividends.
I have no problem with closing the loopholes in the tax code, most of them were not opened by those using them but by politicians who used them for their own gains. As for those who say they wouldn't mind paying more in taxes, I say prove it by making a voluntary contribution, there is nothing that
prevents that. The problem is they want other people's money because they think they know better how it should be spent than we do.
Look at the proposal for the presidents huge tax increase and his power grab to control raise the debt limit without approval of anyone else. Spending cuts like always are promised to be looked at later in the mean time the spending increases and the taxes go up along with the prices of nearly everything.
I appreciate your info, Allen. I feel that we can have a discussion without taking it personally. I respect your knowledge and your ability to express yourself to a lug like me.
I understand big oil employs a lot of folks, but it seems to me that they brag sometimes when I think they should be a bit more humble. Have a great day, we'll debate more later.
Ray Lanier
What are some examples of them bragging about profits?
Leave it up to an idiot that draws a check from the government to say who should pay more in taxes. America has gotten in such terrible shape due to opinions like that.
7:12 Let's talk about that check. Are they drawing Social Security because they paid it in or are they drawing because they DON"T want to work?
I think it is more of a statement regarding anyone that draws a check from the government that isn't earned.
If someone is taking money from taxpayers to live, they shouldn't have a say in who pays more or less taxes. They should be thankful they get that check. Most people know that government checks aren't just used for basic needs.
I think any company has the right to make as much profit as the consumer allows.
6:16 Is Social Security Checked earned after age 65?
What about the person that becomes disable to work because of serious accident?
I like your sentence : "I think any company has the right to make as much profit as the consumer allows."
I think everyone that works and earns a lot of money (in their working years) should pay equal amount of money as the lower paying person. Maybe I'm not making sense but I had believed everyone was allowed the same amount deductible for each person and was taxed the same amount per dollar. Their other deductibles can be different. If they have several employees, don't they get to count the building and utilities off?
Dec 1,2:29, here ya go:
Lamar Smith, Climate Denier, To Chair House Science Panel
Sea Levels Rising 60% Faster Than Expected
Since Election, Big Oil Spent $3 Million On Ads To Protect Tax Loopholes
Exxon Makes $104 Million In Profit Per Day So Far In 2012, While Americans Are Stuck With A Higher Gas Bill
By Rebecca Leber on Apr 26, 2012 at 10:08 am
Last year, ExxonMobil, one of the world’s most profitable companies, earned $1,300 in profits per second. As consumers paid record-high springtime gas prices, Exxon posted first quarter profits of $9.45 billion.
This is down slightly from the first quarter of 2011, when Exxon posted $10.65 billion in profits. Exxon benefited from the high price of oil, but analysts expected slightly lower profits due in part to the cheap price of natural gas, which the company is heavily invested in.
A by-the-numbers look shows how Exxon’s executives and Big Oil’s allies are rewarded generously for the company’s billions, while Americans are stuck with rising gas bills:
$9.45 billion profits, or almost $104 million per day in the first three months of the year.
13 percent: The tax rate Exxon paid last year, lower than the average American family.
60 percent of its first quarter earnings, or $5.7 billion, on buying back stock. Became world’s largest dividend payer by increasing dividends 21 percent.
$1,091,000: Political contributions sent to federal politicians for the 2012 election cycle, making it the largest oil and gas spender.
91% of these contributions went to Republicans.
More than $52,000,000: Lobbying for the first three years of the Obama presidency, 50 percent more than in the Bush Administration.
$34.9 million: Exxon CEO Rex Tillerson’s salary for 2011, a 20 percent raise.
$52,300: Political contributions from Exxon CEO Rex Tillerson in the 2012 cycle, alone.
No. 2: Fortune 500 list of richest companies and for highest-paid CEO.
Exxon not only used 60 percent of its Q1 profits to buy back its stocks, enriching executives and largest shareholders, but it funnels money through political groups like American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) and American Petroleum Institute, to influence legislation in its favor.
Next question, please.
Ray Lanier
Yo dumbass at 7:12, what do you do for a living?
So lets just say that all the sudden-the worlds largest oil reserve is found under your house. You bought it and own it. It's Est worth 16 trillion over the next 10 years. You go out and get a loan for the drilling equip an infrastructure to process it out if the ground. Why would you want it? You already make 50,000 at your job. What you don't want it? Nevermind--the government wants 60% of it....and people who are in need will be at our door not because you want to help--but because they want and expect some money because "you've got it"....
Does this fiction sound good to you? Tis is the nightmare that is going on against people who make money. Why be so jealous because of people who succeed---that's what this country was known for--opportunity.
And by the way--I am not currently employed--don't drawn ANY check and don't feel like oil or any billionaire should send me money--it's not mine--I didn't earn it.
7:45 yes it sounds like fiction. but I agree companies that make profit should not have tax loopholes that the normal American can not receive. They should pay their fair share of taxes. If they cause environmental damage from their, work, negligence, etc., they should pay for it. Should they be given entitlements of tax payer dollars because they operate a business and are deemed to big to fail, the banking industry, car industry, etc.? Should unions receive tax payer dollars? Should the ones that earn more than a number pulled out of thin air, such as $250,000 be taxed at a higher rate? Should any business be given incentives to open businesses that are not given to the very smallest business? Capitolism is great and works until the government tries to regulate it and the amount of money a citizen takes home in their paycheck because they want to expand big government and make the population subservient and rely upon them for their quality of life. Do the tax payers need to fund a private institution, the Fed Reserve, to print our money when our government could do it, and the Constitution states no money is to be issued that is not backed by gold or silver? Both Republicans and Democrats are guilty of the state of the economy and the destruction of this nation.
Great post, 8:14,many valid points. 7:45, if you're unemployed and don't draw a check, you either quit, were fired or didn't work long enough to earn the credits needed. None of those are anything to brag about.
People in Alaska don't do anything to deserve money from oil companies either, but they get it because they live there. Big contribution,isn't it?
Ray Lanier
Well I wasn't bragging, just stating that because I do not feel entitled to someone else's money because they "got it"
Big difference in drawing a check due to laziness, and getting one because a company is using your land. It's called an economy, stupid.
Big difference in knowing what you're talking about and just spouting off nonsense.
In 2012, each resident, not just landowners, received almost $900 dollars just for living there. My damned, fella, you've got a computer there in front of you; use it and at least try to get your facts straight, stupid.
I don't mind people making money. I'm not envious of millionaires houses or money. However you can't compare the two. I have never seen the average home with an elevator. Average people have dogs and cats. Not a race horse that gets better medical care then the average person can afford. It's crazy to have corporation paying 13% federal taxes and some millionaires paying 14%. thing just need to be even. It's also a shame that a person running for the highest office in the land has money in off shore and foreign account just to avoid paying federal taxes.
Did you watch the debate Dick#&%*?
Obama has money invested overseas as well. What a man or woman does with the money they make is their own business.
Tuesday, December 04, 2012 8:22:00 AM
I'm still waiting on my nine hundred dollars then. I received three hundred from President Bush but this is the first time I've heard of anyone getting 9 hundred from Obama.
Are you sure you know what you are talking about?
The big difference, 7:05, is that Romney had $3 million in a Swiss bank account while Obama had none, though he could easily have done so.
That in itself does not mean there was anything nefarious going on, but it does beg the question as to why he liquidated his account in 2010, during his bid for the presidency.
Kind of makes you wonder, don't it? It should.
Ray Lanier
Do you live in Alaska, 9:04? If so, you got ripped off. I'm quite sure I know what I'm talking about. The information is out there, all you have to do is look for it.
BTW, 9:04, it didn't come from the POTUS, it came from big oil and the state of Alaska.
Oh, I didn't know where "there" was and thought you meant the US. Guess we need to move to Alaska.
My apologizes.
No sir, my apologies for being un-clear. Have a great day.
It's sort of difficult to understand how anyone can honestly claim, "I'm not envious of millionaires houses or money. However you can't compare the two. I have never seen the average home with an elevator. Average people have dogs and cats. Not a race horse that gets better medical care then the average person can afford", then turn right around in the same paragraph and state, "thing[s] just need to be even".
Truth is many homes have elevators in them, I've seen several. If you consider all the high-rise apartments and condos then the number goes even higher.
The idea that average people only have dogs and cats seems somewhat limiting as I know a number of people who have different kinds of rodents, snakes, primates, horses even fish as pets. There's a guy in Lawrenceburg who keeps big cats tigers and panthers. I know some people who would and have taken their pets to the vet when they wouldn't go to the doctor for themselves.
A race horse isn't a pet it's purpose is to make money much like a prized bull or walking horse. The harder they work and produce the more they are rewarded.
"It's crazy to have corporation paying 13% federal taxes and some millionaires paying 14%. It's also a shame that a person running for the highest office in the land has money in off shore and foreign account just to avoid paying federal taxes."
While 14% may sound low but consider that the full tax burden, income, social security, medicare etc, has already been paid on that money once. Is it reasonable that a person be taxed twice on the same money. Shouldn't a person expect to reap some benefits from their labor and sacrifices. Shouldn't the greater sacrifice be more rewarded?
My family has made sacrifices for our future putting off purchases and eating out, not yielding to impulse buying, eating less expensive food on a daily basis, etc. We told those savings and invested them so why should I pay almost 40% on taxes while the guy who wasted his time in school, then sat on the couch waiting for my tax money to be sent to him then goes out and blows it on junk?
Money made by cooperation are funding a huge number of retirement funds for people who certainly are not millionaires and depend on that income for their food.
Many people have money in foreign accounts and investments including the majority of high ranking government officials from obama, biden and pelosi to a number of republicans. It's been reported that the UN Ambassador Susan Rice is worth over 40 million dollars almost all of which came from companies dealing in Iranian oil.
When talk about "equal" comes up my first thoughts are to barf as there is and never has been such a thing as equal among peoples. We do not have equal heartaches, sacrifices, relationships, physical abilities,
contributions, we don't even drink equal amounts of water or breathe equal amounts of air. Every nation that has sought to create equal benefits regardless of contribution has failed. This was one of the first lessons learned in our nation.
Yes, thank God we have equal value in the eyes of God and try for equal opportunity under government but that's about where the road ends.
Want an elevator in your house don't envy another, make it the priority in your life. Want to be a millionaire wanting another to have less will not get you there. I have found that people will always get what they want most and seek it with a single purpose. Now that may get you many possessions but possessions tend to be cold and become possessing.
Live as much as possible without envy and learn to make a living with something you truly enjoy and what others have will not matter to your happiness. Obedience to God always enriches our lives beyond every measure.
About the same as being envious of those morons that get elected in your district because you are known as an even larger moron. Crazy huh?
I agree Allen, it is wrong for a person to be taxed twice for the same money. But isn't that what happens every time a vehicle changes ownership? Taxes are collected the first time it is sold and every time thereafter. Also, in my humble opinion, your analogy about the elevators just doesn't fly. There are very few single family dwellings that have elevators, but the Mittster does. Doesn't seem normal to me, but I respect your right to argue the point. Peace to you, my brother in debate.
Ray Lanier
Why do you care if someone has an elevator in their home? Why does it matter if someone has nice cars or expensive animals?
Do you think that Romney giving millions to charity isn't enough? Your stance portrays you as a taker rather than an achiever.
I make a modest income that supports my family and allows me to spend time with them. I would never look at someone negatively for having things that I don't.
Check further, 8:53. The millions romney donates goes to Mormons.Are you one?
What difference does it make if he gives to the Mormon church and how is that different from giving to the Christian church or the Buddhist temple, etc under the tax code.
Mormons do some mighty fine work. He also gives to other charities unlike obama who gave about 2,0000 dollars on an income of more than a million last year. The year before that was even lower. Biden takes the cake with contributions of less than 500 dollars on income of over 800,000 last year.
Hell at least Romney paid his taxes unlike many working for the federal government in DC
No 9:00 Romney only paid what his tax consultants couldn't keep him from paying. Based on his income do you think it's right to pay only 14%. If he was so good at paying taxes then why wouldn't he show more past tax returns.
One of the few factual statements made on here, 8:19. I would love to get an answer to that question.
Does anybody pay more income taxes than they have to? Most people do what the law allows.
Stand up or shut up.
8:19 he did what the law required just as you do when it comes to making out your taxes or do you send in extra? By the way why has obama spent over a million dollars in attorney fees to prevent his collage transcripts from being revealed, could it be his grades were not that great or that he received aid as a foreign exchange student from Indonesia? Clearly someone like him who hates this country would have no problem renouncing his citizenship especially while strung out on drugs.
Romney spent multi-millions hiding his money overseas where he cannot be taxed.
Oh ya mon,goon to school on the ganja scholarship. Coolest POTUS ever and y'all just can't stand it. It was ok when your boy W was getting his DUI back in the day. Still the greatest pres ever, huh?
"Coolest POTUS ever" the guy ain't cool he's detached unaware of what's taking place around him. The typical jerk looking to have a good time while everyone else takes care of business and provides for him.
8:53 and 7:23 Grow up!!
Since our only newspaper don't tell to much news we get on here to find out what's going on only to find children playing.
Governor Romney was absolutely correct when he said that 47% would vote for Obama no matter what he says or does. Let me take that a step further. If Michelle Obama should run on the Democratic ticket for President in 2016, she would get at a minimum that same 47% of the vote. She (or Lassie) could run as the Democratic niminee and get at least close to half the votes without running a single campaign ad. What does that say for the morality and intelligence of America? Not much.
Yep 6:09, and it looks like Romney's correctness caused his ass to lose the election. Perhaps he, like you, should keep some things to themselves. All the talking in the world won't get that bad taste out of your mouth.
The ex mailman
Mitt Romney couldn'y get 47% . He LOST both the popular vote and the Electorial College
So envious and full of hate and jealousy that they go out and vandalize certian people's cars? So sad.
Yep, had to get my revenge on. Careful, you could be next cg.
6:57
Come on. You'd better hope the owner is not around when you do. Ok?
Well duh, 3:20, that would kind of defeat the purpose, now wouldn't it? No, I much prefer surprises. When you least expect it...boom.
3:04 The surprise will be yours if I happen to be home and you come trying to kick my door down. That would not a good day for you.
You keep your car in your house? Dang, that's a bit anal, isn't it 10:19? i guess your wife sleeps on the carport, huh?
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