by Christine G.

Created on: December 04, 2008

When Judas objected to the anointing of Jesus with expensive perfume which could have been used to help the poor, Jesus answered, "The poor have you always with you; you will not always have me." Almost two thousands years later, those words still ring true. We see more and more poor people, and less and less of the spirit of Jesus, although his name is often broadcast, exploited, and used in vain.

We hear a lot about plans to eliminate poverty. None of them produce the promised results. What's wrong?

Humans are reproducing geometrically, while resources expand arithmetically. The law of the jungle drives us to compete for resources, and fear drives us to grabbing and hanging on to more than we need or can ever use. Eliminating poverty would mean changing basic human nature.

Imagine, for a moment, that such a thing is possible. How would the new order look?

1. Human population would be controlled. Instead of insisting on the mythical right of indiscriminate reproduction, people would work together to create the optimal balanced population for the environment. Children would be the treasure of the whole community, and old people would be respected, cared for, and invited to share their wisdom, skills and knowledge.

2. Everyone would be content to do with less, for the greater good. Can you imagine how much better our daily bread would taste if we knew it was shared by all? Doing with less would simplify our lives, encourage us to be creative in using what we have, and free us from the anguish of guilt.

3. Everyone would be expected to contribute at his/her level of capability. Hand-outs would be replaced by opportunities to work and earn. Those who prefer not to make an effort would be allowed to suffer the consequences of their inactivity. In the story of Pinoccio, the Blue Fairy asked the puppet to work in exchange for some bread. He announced that he was too proud to do manual labour. She replied, "Then you will have to eat a big slice of your pride." Pinoccio discovered the value of work. The principles of cause and effect remain our best teachers.

4. Personal worth would not be judged by possessions, or even by achievements. People would be encouraged to find their self-esteem in doing the right thing, overcoming challenges, helping others, loving selflessly, giving their best, and contributing to their community. As the abovementioned Jesus said, "Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added onto you." Other sages have expressed similar sentiments. We have nodded our heads in approval, and continued on our downward spiral to destruction.

Without a global revolution of values, poverty cannot be eradicated. No matter how many laws we pass or how many charitable programs we initiate or how many guilt-ridden contributions we make to good causes, large numbers of people will continue to lack the necessities of life, while others are overfed and morally bankrupt. Many people will consider themselves poor because they don't have a VCR or an automobile, and overlook the riches that every day offers them. Until we learn the practical meaning of "Love your neighbour as yourself", we will live in fear and envy, and the poor will haunt us with their cries.

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