the world around me

I need help with something.  I need help in understanding the price we put on someone's career.  I found out today that a friend of a friend lost their job.  Not surprising in this economy.  What is surprising, at least to me, was his severance check.  $10,000 a month for the next few months, can't remember how many.  And more, he is terribly upset at the amount.  Wait, there is even more.  Since losing his job, he has turned down 2 job offers both of them about $90,000 each.  Why?  Not enough money.

Not enough money?!?!?!  When is it ever enough money?  When will our greed be satisfied?  I just don't get it.  Seriously, I don't.  I don't understand why people think that some people are worth "x" amount, while others are worth "y".  I don't understand how people get trapped into thinking that this world is about money.  I don't understand the how someone can put a price tag on themselves and say I won't work unless I can make "x" amount.  Really, it seriously baffles me.  And deeply saddens me.

Needless to say, I was shocked when I heard this.  I tried to wrap my mind around what this young man was thinking.  The more I tried to understand his mentality, the more I wanted to cry.  I had serious questions floating in my mind.  Who assigns these price tags to people?  How did we ever get to a place where we think we are good enough to actually work for these extravagant prices?  Do we realize what working for these prices does to global economy?  Why do some careers offer big bucks, while others offer you little to nothing?  Is there more driving people in their decision of career choices than money?  If there is, then what?  How do these other rewards stack up against money?  What is money in the first place?

I thought of me, for example. Everyone knows that you don't go into ministry for the money.  It's doesn't pay much.  Working on staff at three churches and one para-church ministry, I doubt that I have made $20,000 total.  I don't do it for the money.  Would I like more?  Of course.  But I don't need more.  I have a roof, clothes to put on, and everyone can tell by looking at me that I am not even close to going hungry.  I thought those were the things we need.  Basic necessities of life.  Everything else is luxury.  Now granted, I live an extremely simple life which wouldn't be practical for most people.  But the point still applies.  We are living and have grown accustomed to living well beyond what anyone person should.  I also don't have dependents, which this person had.  I am not going to pretend to act like I know what raising kids costs.  But I do know it can be done for far little than $90,000.

I think it is time we started reassessing what truly matters in this world; what truly matters in our lives.  Money is needed, that's obvious.  But what we spending it on?  Who are we to declare that we, or anyone is worth a dollar amount?  Are we guilty of selling our soul?  What do we do with all this wealth?

These are serious questions that demand our attention.  I just hope it's not too late.