There is, within each of us human beings, a NEED to share.
It is unfortunate that, in North American societies, there are powerful forces that promote selfishness, rather than sharing. Of course, nobody calls putting oneself first selfishness.
To some, the trend towards individualism rather than community would appear to be dominant. For example, Jim Wallis of the Sojourners community in Washington, D.C. wrote this week that:
“A recent Harris International and World Vision poll showed that Americans plan to spend more this Christmas season on consumer gifts than they did last year, but give less to charities and ministries that help the poor. Many say they are less likely to give a charitable gift as a holiday present —a drop from 51 percent to 45 percent.
So we will have more Christmas presents this year, but less help for the poor. While retailers, economists, and politicians may rejoice at the news about higher consumer spending this year, the lower levels of support for the ones Jesus called “the least of these” should legitimately bring some moral judgments from the faith community. “
One possible response for Christians is to model extravagant generosity. We can do this through recognizing that Christmas is a birthday celebration for Jesus. We can match our giving to family, friends, etc. with a gift to charities, or to groups who are involved in the struggle for justice in God’s world. It would be following the invitation to love others in the same way that we lavish love upon those who we know.
Just imagine how responding to our NEED to share can help change the lives of others.
allanbaker 