The One Percent

One Percent

The Jesus said,
“But suppose the servant says to himself, ‘My master is taking a long time in coming,’ and he then begins to beat the menservants and maidservants and to eat and drink and get drunk.  
The master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he is not aware of. He will cut him to pieces and assign him a place with the unbelievers. 
“That servant who knows his master’s will and does not get ready or does not do what his master wants will be beaten with many blows.  
But the one who does not know and does things deserving punishment will be beaten with few blows. From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.” 
                                              Luke 12:45-48.
I heard in the news yesterday that 1% of the worlds population own the majority of the worlds wealth if so it’s a sad state of affairs.
There are those in government that hold to the theory that by keeping taxes low on the rich it will cause a trickle down effect that will help the poor. It does not seem to be working.
Those who do the math tell us that the wealthy are getting richer and the poor are getting poorer. This should not be so.
Now there is nothing wrong with being wealthy if it’s earned honestly. But with such wealth I believe one has the responsibility to help others. A good example is Bill Gates founder of Microsoft and Warren Buffet who are using their money to help the poor and needy around the world.
The Talmud tells us this story,
“Rabbi Akiba was asked by a Roman general, “Why does your God who loves the needy not provide for their support Himself?”  He answered, “God the Father of both the rich and poor, wants the one to help the other so as to make the world a household of love.”
                                                                             The Talmud.
The rich have a responsibility I believe to the poor, because while it may be their money and ideas that started them on the road to being rich. It is usually the blood, sweat and toil of the poor and middle class that helped them accomplish their goals.
I believe whether you are a believer in Christ or not. Whether you believe in God or not. God has given you the wealth to you and no matter how little or how much you have, God will, as he will with all people ultimately judge you.
Regardless of whether you believe in God or not is it not the humane thing to do. To help your fellow man.
Not everyone can be rich, but no one, anywhere in the world should be dying because of starvation or preventable illness.
If you are a Christian businessman or woman consider your work practices. Are you doing what God would have you do?
Are you paying your workers a good honest wage with good benefits? Are those who work for you able to live without need? Do they have the basics of life, good food, good housing, good health and medical benefits?
Even if you are not Christian are not what I’ve listed above only right if you are truly a good human being?
Think about it.