Money and Power (an Anomoly)

In this anomaly to the weekly writings, I cover a subject of my choosing. I often, as you know, experience random thoughts that can often turn over my mind for days. This was one those, and apart of a broader subject that I often debate with myself.

Money and Power. Power and Money. I guess it is a matter of understanding.

It is a well know phrse: money is power. But to those who are not rich in earthly wealth, this prase may seem innocuous or irrelevant to their condition, save they understand that it is those above them, rich in earthly wealth, who have the power and use it to rule over them.

Certainly, I believe, that men will acquiesce to those above them if only because they do not posess the means, or numbers, to rebel or refuse enacted laws or those nations' officials. And no man enjoys the rule of law, or the rule of another man, with which he disagrees. But, money is power, and power is money.

power comes from the latin posse, which means, "to be able." so to have money is to be able. The question is, and the point I wish to emphasize here is, "what abilities can be afforded?" And this is the true matter of understanding. For those with little money, looking nearly always at those who have more, their abilities seem trivial and are so greatly overshadowed that their perception of powerlessness becomes the reality in which they live. It leads us to look for more, to always want more, and leaves contentment and happiness on the wayside.

In these days, in this nation, simplicity has been overrun by ever-growing appetites. And perception leads us to believe that our ability becomes ever smaller. But even in the smallest amounts, money is power. Not power to rule over men, such power should not be sought. But it is the ability to clothe, and feed, and shelter. Through our daily jobs we acquire the ability to provide for our basic needs, and this should be power enough. Yet we are consumed with having more; wanting more: a car; newer, more expensive clothes; a stereo; a television; computer; cable; internet. And in the plethera of wants we lose sight of the power we have, of our ability to take control of our life and see the power we have, and find contentment. Whoever loves money never has money enough (Ecc 5:10)

So when you feel powerless, look at your situation without regard to the situation you aspire, and ask yourself how much, money or power, you truly need, and weigh that against how much you currently have. I would guess you will find yourself surprised. And if you dwell too long on the subject, then I suppose you will find yourself in my shoes, tracing my thoughts, reading scripture and wondering.

May God bless you in this time of year with the knowledge that you who believe are rightfully His children, and heirs to the life eternal.