The richest and the rest

62 people own same as half the world, according to this press release from Oxfam on 18th January 2016.

I’ll say that again.

62 people own the same as half the world. This number has fallen from 388 in 2010. The richest are getting richer and richer.

And in stark contrast, the wealth of the poorest half of the world’s population – that’s 3.6 billion people – has fallen by a trillion dollars since 2010. The poorest are getting poorer and poorer.

This runaway inequality between the richest and the rest is unbelievably appalling. It is simply unacceptable.

How is this progress? How is this civilisation?

This runaway inequality between the richest and the rest could be alleviated by ‘cracking down on tax dodging, increased investment in public services and action to boost the income of the lowest paid.’

Something could be done about it.

Tackling the veil of secrecy surrounding the UK’s network of tax havens would be a big step towards ending extreme inequality. Three years after he made his promise to make tax dodgers ‘wake up and smell the coffee’, it is time for David Cameron to deliver.  Mark Goldring, Oxfam GB Chief Executive

Well, the Panama papers being leaked to the press at the beginning of April has shed a whole new light on that particular promise!

There’s a whole discussion about riches in Ecclesiastes 5 too. In essence, nothing has changed.

If you see the poor oppressed in a district, and justice and rights denied, do not be surprised at such things; for one official is eyed by a higher one, and over them both are others higher still.  Ecclesiastes 5:8

Enough is never enough.

Whoever loves money never has enough;
whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income.
This too is meaningless.  Ecclesiastes 5:10

The whole industry around consumerism encourages us to buy more than we need or could ever possibly use.

As goods increase,
so do those who consume them.
And what benefit are they to the owners
except to feast their eyes on them?  Ecclesiastes 5:11

And what is the point of hoarding wealth? As we are reminded over and over again, you can’t take it with you.

Everyone comes naked from their mother’s womb,
and as everyone comes, so they depart.  Ecclesiastes 5:15

So what should we do? How then should we live?

We come back to the same mantra for life that runs as a theme through the Book of Ecclesiastes –

This is what I have observed to be good: that it is appropriate for a person to eat, to drink and to find satisfaction in their toilsome labour under the sun during the few days of life God has given them – for this is their lot.  Ecclesiastes 5:18

Keep it simple. Be mindful. Find satisfaction. Make the most of the time you have.

And if you are privileged enough to be given more – like most of us in the Western world – then be grateful for that.

Moreover, when God gives someone wealth and possessions, and the ability to enjoy them, to accept their lot and be happy in their toil – this is a gift of God.  Ecclesiastes 5:19

Let’s be thankful for all that we do have, rather than constantly moaning about what we do not.

And finally –

They seldom reflect on the days of their life, because God keeps them occupied with gladness of heart.  Ecclesiastes 5:20

Many of us are guilty of over-thinking. Rather than getting on with enjoying the life we have been given, we are consumed with regret or guilt or envy or dissatisfaction. Let’s enjoy each day as it comes. Every day is a gift. Savour the moment. Throw every into living every moment and you’ll find you have no time to worry or be jealous r negative.

TO DO: Enjoy today. Maybe not every minute – maybe some moments will be impossible to enjoy. But find ways to savour the moment. To be grateful for all that you have. For all that God has given you.