Hence, they remain the same and fall further and further.

“Selful” – I like that – since the words selfishness and self-centeredness have gotten such a bad rap (usually from people who want us to do something for them) it’s probably a good thing to have another word to describe what we mean when we are saying “I give, but only after I honestly have something to give.”

I enjoyed this post and especially the conclusion

“Give freely of your excess time, energy, and money – but until you have an excess of these things, don’t feel guilty for not giving.”

It’s a simple ‘law’ that we can’t possibly give what we don’t have in the first place. Looking after our own well-being first (whether spiritual, emotional, physical or economic) is so important … then we have more to offer the world. I like to use the term ’selful’ for this (instead of ’selfish’). Ian

The “F ‘em” comment was my lame attempt at humor. It wasn’t meant to mean that Jesus didn’t care. The point I was going for with that little story was that, regardless of what Judas’ intentions were, Jesus (being, well, Jesus) could have done whatever he wanted – and chose to allow his feet to be anointed, rather that bitch and moan about better uses for the money. He accepted what many would call a frivolous gift.

Thank you for the clarity, and for helping out my incomplete post. That’s what I love about blogs… when I drop the ball, a someone else can pick it up.

I agree with your overall premise. People are better off when they are working honestly and have material prosperity. Feeling guilty about that success is not what was intended.

@Lola – I really hear you on the “prosperity guilt” thing… as a matter of fact, it still pops up occasionally in my own consciousness. That quote from Marianne Williamson is awesome – thank you for sharing it. It really reminds us that hiding our light in “solidarity” does no one any good.

@Shauna – Feel free to go on all you want! And your point is well taken about giving even a little to help us recognize the abundance we already have. Thank you for bringing that up.

Thanks so much for putting this out there!

Encouraging people to become prosperous as an expression of life, of Source and of joy is always a great idea in my books. Moreover, you are right in that we cannot help anyone else when we are feeling bereft and empty ourselves…

I would only say that we cannot give away what we don’t have, so even giving a little and focusing on others so that we can ‘get out of our heads’ and realize how lucky we already are, will put us in a state of appreciation and abundance which will attract more. There is never an imperative to do ANYTHING in this life – we each must find our own way, give if it feels good and hopefully live worthwhile and fulfilling lives, by our own definitions. In doing so, especially if we are passionate and true to ourselves, we will shine as an example to others who may need a light on their own paths.

Wow! I guess your post made me go on a little…hope you don’t mind!

Take care, Lyman.

Shauna

Great post! I especially love the end, “Become an example – of prosperity, of love, of generosity”, this is key.

As Marianne Williamson says “And, as we let our own light shine, we consciously give other people permission to do the same.
As we are liberated from our fear,
our presence automatically liberates others.”

I find some people feel guilty about having when others don’t so unconsciously form some sort of poverty-based solidarity which helps no-one at all.

In love, light and abundance x x x