My precious...or not?

TODAY'S READING: Deuteronomy 24:19-22
I am not a huge "Lord of the Rings" fan, but I have seen the movies a few times. One of the most memorable scenes to me is where Gollum is talking about "My Precious." The idea that the ring is something so coveted that people will lie, steal, and kill to have it. It brings out an evil side in almost everyone who is in its presence.
While we may not be as obvious about it, our society lives with a "My Precious" attitude. My car is mine. My money is mine. My house is mine. My clothes are mine. Mine. Mine. Mine. "My Precious."
But God has different plans for us. His desire is that we share what we have with those in need. Now of course, "need" is different for everyone. A "need" for some would be a huge luxury for others. So many people in our society say "I NEED this" all the time.
I NEED these new shoes.
I NEED this new iPod.
I NEED that CD.
I NEED...
I will be the first to stand up and confess that I do this all the time. I "need" things that people in many countries would look at like I look at a $3 million house. Sure, that would be nice, but there is no way I will ever have it.
God's point to the people of Israel was that He will provide what they really need. The rest should be left for those who are really in need. God blessed the nation of Israel with a crop greater than their need. And He wanted them to share that overage with those around them.
Do we share our abundance? I fail miserably in this area. I spend money on wants instead of needs while children in other countries die of starvation. I worry about what shoes or clothes I am going to buy while some people don't have clothing for today. I spend money on entertainment while people in some nations would be glad to have a house to live in.
If we are truly going to be God's people we must listen to what He calls us to do. I am not saying that we should sell everything and give it all away. Although, isn't that what Jesus told the Rich Young Ruler? Anyway, I just think that God is challenging us to reconsider what is really a "need" and what are things that are simply for our comfort.
God used the nation of Israel to bless the foreigners, orphans, and widows. How much could He use the church in the United States to bless those in need both in our nation and around the world if we would just be willing to leave the excess for those who have real need?

shine!
Jason