How prosperity has overshadowed our values and beliefs

Prosperity seems to be at the forefront for many. When prosperity crosses over into greed, a lust-filled and glutton road to fortune, can be the death of one's values and beliefs. When "getting" at any cost, becomes paramount, it's a destructive force that dulls the conscience.

"If the world had a front porch like we did back then" is a line from a Tracy Lawrence song and one that depicts a time when values and beliefs were more important than winning the lottery or having the most expensive home on the block. People treated their neighbors like they were kin, reaching out to help instead of forming enemy territory and trying to outdo each other. Life had it's struggles, but a lot of happiness and appreciation could be found in simplicity. Options weren't as plentiful and sometimes life was about mere survival, but good values were held onto more firmly than they are in today's world. Being a stay-at-home mother was held in more reverence. In today's world, a woman without a paycheck is often seen as lesser. A man sometimes isn't seen for his good character or the hard work he does unless the dollar amount is equivalent to what society deems, makes him worthy. Too much value is placed on a dollar amount and too little on what a person holds inside!

In today's world, gaining prosperity, often includes manipulation and tactics that harm others, sometimes including criminal actions. A person, dominated by greed and the dire need for prosperity, often ignores the consequences.

In today's world we see

* Friends turning into foes, backstabbing for material gain
* Family stealing from their own, no thought to character being sold
* Nation turning against nation
* People being killed for a few dollars
* Stores having to raise cost to the consumer because of shoplifting

all out of greed - a disease that can be cured. Abundance of money or possessions does not equal happiness. People tend to buy things they don't need, yet they are forever seeking that something that makes them happy. Greed isn't just about money or possessions, but being consumed with "self" to the point no one else matters. Good values and beliefs don't allow for such lack of caring for others.

Materialism threatens values. Materialism is glamorized. It causes social inequality. Too many define themselves through money and the material possessions they own, instead of their character and values. The true meaning in life cannot be found when it's smothered with superficial "stuff".

There's nothing wrong with prosperity when it's accumulated through hard work and a clear conscience. But, the greedy person's lust for more is rarely satisfied and they are on a constant pursuit to gain more and through any means. The true meaning of life and happiness begins to elude their vision.

Prosperity gained in an appropriate manner can nurture an individual's well-being, allowing them to also reach out to others. Healthy individual growth does not develop through greed. Values and beliefs are overshadowed and corrupted. The greedy create their own hazardous wastelands, as their filthy hands try to reach for yet another dollar, knocking down the innocent that get in their way! Greed not only corrupts an individual, but communities and the world.

Learn more about this author, Kathy D.
Click here to send author comments or questions.

---

Add your voice

Know something about How prosperity has overshadowed our values and beliefs?
We want to hear your view. Write now!