Can you give it up?

Why do we hold on so tightly to what we have? Why is it so hard for us to give? Why do we always think about ourselves first? Why do we look at those who have less as lazy? Why is it so easy to forget those in impoverished countries or say it's not our problem? Aren't they human? Don't they deserve healthly food and clean water? Is it their fault they were born there? What if your kids were starving and had rags to wear and no shoes? Would you want someone to help you?

In Luke 12:33, Jesus says "Sell your possessions and give to the poor." Can you imagine someone telling you that today? What would you think? What would you say? Would you laugh and say "Are you crazy!"? In Francis Chan's book Crazy Love, he says that the concept of downsizing so that others might upgrade is biblical, beautiful...and nearly unheard of. Do you agree?

I know that there are a lot of free loaders in this world and they shouldn't live off others BUT does that mean we shouldn't help anyone? I would much rather help 100 people where 10 of them are just lazy then not help anyone. Those other 90 people still needed someone.

What do we really need to live on? What do we really need to be happy? A humongous house and four Jags and three vacation homes plus much more? For those that work hard they should be rewarded but does that mean they can't give? Does that mean they have to stress their budget? Does it mean that they are better than others?

It's more than just money though. It's our time, energy, and resources also. We have grown to be such selfish individuals and have been taught to look out for "us." I'm not saying people don't give but a lot give when it's convenient and doesn't disrupt their lifestyle. What if we put others first? What if we looked at everyone the way Jesus did? What if we showed compassion and love and kindness? How would you be affected? How would those around you be affected? How would the world change?