KEEPING UP WITH THE JONESES

When I was a kid, “Keeping up with the Joneses” was comparing your self financially to others.  It is a form of conspicuous consumption; gaining social status from the public display of economic power.  But by today’s social standards it’s more like measuring your worth to food stamps, and a welfare check.

People are actually comparing themselves to those of us less fortunate, with jealousy and envy.  Facebook memes circulate showing people on food stamps with a full refrigerator and the working class with empty refrigerators, as if there is any truth to the comparison.  In addition they judge the poor as being less deserving of cable television and a cigarette habit.  Where’s the compassion? 

The bible is full of stories regarding the poor.  Deuteronomy 15:11 states, “For there will never cease to be poor in the land.  Therefore I command you, ‘You shall open your hand to your brother, to the needy and to the poor, in your land.’”

Take for instance Jesus, who was a long haired barefoot dude who relied heavily on the compassion of others for shelter and food, as he traveled the country side spreading the word of God, he hung out with poor people. 

Researchers have discovered that poor people are often more compassionate than individuals who were born with a silver spoon in their mouth.  They concluded to be born privileged is to be denied the challenges that promote empathy and gratitude.

From a psychological view, comparing your self to others will only make you unhappy; plain and simple.   Regardless of the subject, it is negative behavior. 

If you want good things to happen for you in life, you must keep your thoughts positive. Change your thoughts to those of gratitude. Be grateful for what you have.   When you are grateful, more good things will come to you.  But if you are negative in your thoughts, you close the door on the endless possibilities that await you.

In the words of Sri Chinmoy, an Indian spiritual master, and recipient of the Mahatma Gandhi Universal Harmony Award, as well as the Mother Teresa Award, “Let us serve the world soulfully.  The pay we will receive for our service will be in the currency of gratitude.  God’s gratitude.”

It is better to be fruitful than to be condemning.  Now go and spread the seeds of love.