Keys of Sharing
Many look at spiritual ideals such as sharing, equality, brotherhood, unity etc. and seem to get the idea that they will be achieved by some black and white formula. Many think this formula includes the giving up of self-interest to the point where one will be willing to support even a lazy neighbor who is perfectly able to support himself. Some see this ideal servant as one who will put as much energy into feeding and serving those he does not know as those he does know.
There is a fine line between spiritual practice that works and that which does not work and the division created filters down to the spiritual and political divisions manifested on the earth.
There are a number of principles that point us toward right choice on the spiritual path.
An important one is called The Law of Economy. Basically, he who follows this law of nature will seek to create maximum results with the least effort.
People of good intent see many people who need help and scatter their energies so the end result is that no one gets much help and all his energy is scattered with the wind.
This person does not follow The Law of Economy.
Another will look within his sphere of acquaintances and select several to help. He gives and the effort is not wasted, but the few are assisted. This person may be seen as having a less lofty goal, but in the end, he achieved greater results.
This person followed The Law of Economy.
He who seeks to help all helps none. He who seeks to help one person helps himself and one other. If every person helped those in their sphere, all would be helped and none would be ignored.
Jesus alluded to The Law of Economy in the parable of the virgins:
1 Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom.
2 And five of them were wise, and five were foolish.
3 They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them:
4 But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.
5 While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept.
6 And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.
7 Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps.
8 And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out.
9 But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves.
10 And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut.
11 Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us.
12 But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not.
13 Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh. Matthew 25:1-13
Now this parable of Jesus teaches contrary to the beliefs of many idealists as well as religious people who would tell us that the five virgins with oil should share with those who have not. “They should just share and take their chances,” many would say.
This is also the flaw in the teachings of many modern-day socialists. They want us to share to the extent that none will have enough. Many seek to make the rich poor rather than the poor rich.
Is not equality much more desirable if we are equal in abundance rather than equal in poverty and misery?
The logic in the parable is simple. If the wise virgins were to share their oil, then none would have enough. By not sharing five out of the ten had enough.
Now the parable begins with these words: “Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins.”
Wait! Isn’t the kingdom of heaven represented by those who share and share alike?
No. This is not the key. The key as given in the parable is wisdom. Those who enter into the kingdom must have the wisdom and judgment to see the end effect of their actions and then make that decision which will result in the greatest good – even if it be a very difficult one that will cause distress. They key to the kingdom of heaven is to be as the “wise” virgins.
Does this mean it is better to be selfish than unselfish?
No. The true selfish ones were the five lazy virgins who did not do the work necessary to obtain the oil and expected someone else to take care of them in the time of lack. If the wise had abundance they may have shared, but they had just enough so it would have been foolish to share when no one would have been helped.
Even so many today think that when Zion or a molecule is built that the outstanding characteristic of the members will be a willingness to share in all cases.
Not so. It is true they will be people of good will who are willing to share, but giving will be tempered by wisdom, even as it was with the wise virgins. During the past 2000 years Christians have been giving and giving to their churches and priests and for what? The giving was not tempered with wisdom and all they got for their giving was a corrupt clergy and lifeless stone buildings. These people were lucky if one percent of their giving went to help anyone deserving.
So what is the key behind being a wise giver as were the virgins?
There are several things to consider:
[1] Sharing should be done through free will of the person involved and not because he is forced by an authority figure or government.
[2] The person who shares should understand where the thing shared is going, how it is used and the probable end thereof.
[3] That which is shared should not go to those who have full capacity to help themselves.
[4] That which is shared should bring true assistance or advancement to individuals or the group.
[5] Wisdom dictates that the mind of the disciple will not rationalize away the giving of valuable assistance to those who are in true need.
The whole principle of giving is summarized in the name of Jesus Christ. It means “anointed to deliver or to save.”
No matter how high one goes in the realm of the Gods one must always reach down to deliver and assist those behind him on the path. Then those ahead on the path will assist him.
Even the Gods need an incentive to serve.
I thought I would give a link to a news article that ought to get the blood flowing in both sexes.
A new study finds that women talk about three times as much as men.
You can read it HERE
It says that females speak “20,000 words in a day – 13,000 more than the average man. Women also speak more quickly, devote more brainpower to chit-chat – and actually get a buzz out of hearing their own voices, a new book suggests.”
The author, in an obvious move to avoid being trampled to death, also takes a stab at men, citing a previous study that men think about sex every 53 seconds while women think about it about once a day.
I’m surprised he didn’t cover the asking of directions difference in the sexes.
Be silent as to services you have rendered, but speak of favors you have received. Seneca (5 BC – 65 AD)
Nov 27, 2006
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