I know many will not agree with me, but I would suggest that we need wealth disparity. There seems to be an increasing push for greater socialism in our democratic republic. I don’t intend to get political here, so don’t jump immediately to the comments section. I simply believe that the greater good can only come to society when people have something to give—and indeed give.
No doubt, the economics of our society are turned a bit upside down. Teachers make rather little while celebrities make fortunes. Some professional athletes make grossly huge incomes. Some people make their fortunes managing money—something that is really just a concept—while many others are working multiple physical jobs to “make ends meet”.
Some discuss a “livable wage” in a country where the poorest are still wealthier than much of the rest of the world. I agree that the cost of living in this country (the US) is growing faster than the incomes of most. I agree that some are making gross salaries. I would argue though that good can come from this disparity of wealth. This was an argument made by Andrew Carnegie in his day.
Carnegie argued that, if everyone had the same income, there would be no libraries, museums, etc. Schools and universities would suffer. Why? Because no one would care to sacrifice what they have for others. There is no incentive to give to the greater good. It is case of the “Tragedy of the Commons”. Want evidence? Compare the economies of the post-World War II Germanys.
The problem is not that people have more than others. The problem is not one of economic disparity. The problem is one of character scarcity. Wealth is an opportunity.
The world needs Andrew Carnegies. The world needs JJ Watts. (JJ Watts is a star player for the Houston Texans—and the city of Houston.)
There are many celebrities, athletes, and business persons who do tremendous things for their communities—many without notice. I highlight JJ Watt because we have seen his example in the news several times in the last year, and because his good does not result in his name on a building. Rather his good involves acts of real community.
JJ Watt gave time and money to the Hurricane Harvey relief efforts—helping to raise $37 million dollars for relief. Most recently, though, he stepped in to pay the funeral costs of the 10 persons killed in the recent Santa Fe High School shooting outside of Houston. It would appear that these examples are just the tip of his giving.
I don’t always agree with how much money people make for what they do. I don’t judge them for making money. We all, after all, would love to trade places. While it is not my place to judge anyone, I do confess to judging people for what they do with their money (and time). I know that “in the same way (I) judge others, (I) will be judged” (Matthew 7:2, NIV), so, I know that I have to make the most with what I am given—be it money, time, or talent.
So, when we are jealous of what others have in “excess” or when we suggest that income equality is the solution to society’s problems, perhaps we should reconsider what we do with what we do have. Perhaps we can remember that “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 12:48, NIV).
Be your best today; be better tomorrow.
Carpe momento!
Photo source: http://www.sportingnews.com/nfl/news/texans-jj-watt-paying-funerals-santa-fe-high-school-victims/1bwhbf6mflzni194xf7s92c7qp