As I have observed the political extremes lately, I’ve noticed a common thread – greed. The Occupy Wall Street protestors are accusing corporate America as being greedy at the same time they are declaring, “We need to take it back from them.” It seems to me that the “poor” and the “rich” in this case equally share in the greed. The tea party movement is not to be left out either. While they would never advocate taking back money from people who have worked hard for it, they are reluctant to help people who are needy perhaps for the first time due to the struggling economy. That is greed as well. On the contrary, I believe grateful hearts overflow with generosity. If those in both movements were to reflect and be grateful for what God has given us in this country, maybe through our generosity we could get America back on track. The Bible tells us in Ephesians 5:3-4, "But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. 4 Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving." Since gratitude is the answer to all these ills, it is basic to our Christian walk. This Thanksgiving, therefore, whom can you help? In the picture my wife Mary was playing checkers with Gerald, a blind/deaf resident in Los Angeles. Likewise your grateful heart will overflow with generosity.
