Is the idea of "Spreading the Wealth" Biblical?

By Erica Persaud

When Obama made a statement about spreading the wealth, and McCain condemned his ideas relating to the venture, by stating something to the fact that, "America didn't become great by spreading the wealth, but by making opportunities so that all could become wealthy." It got me to thinking about whether Obama's idea of "Spreading the Wealth wall all that bad or better yet biblical?"

In my opinion, it is the obligation of those who've been blessed and more fortunate in their business ventures then others, to either give back or share in their blessings. And in doing so, others will be blessed as well. One who owns many houses and loses one ;or two in times of crisis is still able to sleep in comfort in one or the other that they still own, while one who owns only one house and loses that one in times of crisis is not able to sleep in comfort and is now devastated and destitute in many cases.

It is optimistic to hope that all will become wealthy one day, but realistically it is not realistic to believe that most Americans will own more than one house.

Has the wealthy failed to remember that though they provide the resources for their success, it is the middleman that provides the labor? Have we forgotten that this country was not built alone on the knowledge of the elite, but on the handwork and many sacrifices of the layman of every color, creed and background?

Most of the rich gives plenty to charity, just as long as they get a tax deduction at the end of the year, but what if there were no tax deductions, would they still give? I doubt it. Don't get me wrong, there are a few charitable souls, who'd give their last dime but lets face it we've become quite selfish these days in our giving and that includes the rich and the middle class too.

Not relying upon my own opinion on this matter I look toward God's Word for guidance concerning how the wealthy should deal with the poor and vice versa. I've been led to

Leviticus 19:9-10 "'Now when you reap the harvest of your land, you shall not reap to the very corners of your field, nor shall you gather the gleanings of your harvest.'Nor shall you glean your vineyard, nor shall you gather the fallen fruit of your vineyard; you shall leave them for the needy and for the stranger. I am the LORD your God. " (NIV)

My interpretation of this passage of scripture is that those who own and planted the harvest should not take and store away the rewards of their harvest for their own personal gain, but leave some behind, so that those who are less fortunate, can also benefit from the compassion and kindness of the owner and relish in their good fortune and blessings too.

If we are a nation that believes in God, and care for our fellow man, why wouldn't one want to share or use their wealth to uplift the other.

But, here to, the duty of the poor man or woman too, is not always to rely upon the charity and good nature of other folk, but be willing to provide a service or care in exchange for those things needed.

God's word says this"

Proverbs 19:15 "Slothfulness casteth into a deep sleep; and an idle soul shall suffer hunger." (KJV)

Now, I know that everyone that is poor is not just slothering around, but what I do know is that if you are there are consequences. But, then too we must consider those who are truly physically unable to care for themselves and are in need of assistance and should never go hungry.

Most of the rich look for their rewards for their charities here on earth, but as we know worldly gifts don't last long, but God's Word says in

Proverbs 19:17, "He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again." (KJV)

In my opinion, what Barak Obama wants to do concerning our country's economy is selfless and Pro-American as, American was so long ago.

McCain on the other hand, wants to perpetuate the selfishness and greed that many of us are far too comfortable with and in agreeance too. The idea that "I've got mine, now you get yours is not the America I know and I hope is not the America of the future."

The idea of "Spreading the wealth" is very reasonable and a win, win for all. The good fortunes of the wealthy help to build up our economy and in doing so help build the lives of the less fortunate.

I am able to relish in the comforts of life today, because of the selfless sacrifices made by others who cared enough for the future to deny themselves the luxuries and comforts of the past.