Greed, sloth, and pride. Three more of the so-called “deadly sins”. Simple, yet, powerful. These personality traits contribute to more of the world’s problems than we realize. If only we took a closer look at how our sins affect the people around us, and the ripple effect they have throughout the world. These traits are in every one of us, but just because it’s our natural instinct to embrace our sin, that doesn’t make it right, and it certainly doesn’t make it beneficial to mankind.
Greed. That’s the big one in America. Well, at least they say it is. All of the evil corporations are just so greedy, right? Well, sure. Like I said, it’s natural for us to be greedy. America’s greed isn’t isolated in the business world though. It’s all around us. Greed over drug turf is what drives much of gang warfare in urban communities. It leads to shootings, stabbings, and too often, the loss of innocent life. Greed is also what makes teachers want to keep their own benefits packages as they are, even at the cost of some of their peers losing their jobs. Greed is what makes government officials continue to push for more and more control, and more and more money. Money for themselves and their friends, and control over every aspect of your life.
Sloth may be one of the most aggravating sins. In every society, from the beginning of time until now, we’re faced with people who just don’t want to work. Sure, there are people who can’t work, but there are many more people who are just flat out lazy. We see it at work every day. A handful of people pull the workload for the rest of the crew. Let’s be honest. Teamwork is a fallacy. How many people are on welfare, meanwhile every time their check comes in the mail they head straight to the casino or to the bar.
And pride. What do we have to say for pride? Well, pride is good up to a point. But bragging isn’t good. Keep your head on Earth; don’t go around thinking you’re better than everyone else. We all have strengths and talents, and just because some people’s strengths aren’t as clear as someone else’s doesn’t mean they’re less valuable. Pride was the driving force behind nationalistic countries like Germany, and Italy. Pride is what keeps people with six figure jobs from volunteering at homeless shelters during the Christmas season. There is a difference between pride and confidence. Don’t be too proud.
Our sins have impact all over the world. Taking a look inside ourselves is the best way to protect our future. We need to control ourselves. It’s easy to be lazy, be greedy, and be prideful. We’re all guilty of it. Sometimes I’m a little full of myself, and I don’t always like giving my money to other people. I also don’t always work as hard as I should. It’s just a part of being a flawed race.
Part III coming soon. View Part I HERE.
