"Seven Deadly Sins"- SIX- ENVY

     Our series on the "Seven Deadly Sins" resumes just two more and a recap. I am learning a lot, one thing is that the hardest person to forgive for ANYTHING is yourself. Cut yourself a break, you are neither as bad or as good as you think.

The sixth of the seven deadly sins is one which NO one wants to admit they have been guilty of. I believe it slips into out subconscious and we "betray" our selves, without realizing it, when we speak. "Man, I wish I had that", "Why can't I be that lucky", "They don't need a nice truck like that, but I sure do" and many other phrases like these demonstrate that while most of us desire to be satisfied with what we have, ENVY is present.  There is an old humorous comment meant to mask our envy, I have said it my self "I wish they had a feather and I had what they have and we would both be tickled"
     ENVY is defined in several ways -It is an emotion that "occurs when a person lacks an-others (perceived ) superior quality, achievement, or possession and either desires it or wishes that the other lacked it." It is often a symptom of low self esteem when the guilty party believes that what they envy is of great importance and they believe themselves to be the equal of that person with the exception of their lack of the envied thing, person or trait.Envy is one of the most potent causes of unhappiness, because not only is the envious person  unhappy due to his envy, but also wishes to inflict harm and unhappiness on others.
     Along with greed, which is associated with ENVY, Envy is the driving force in most crimes including violent ones. Envy is known as one of the most powerful human emotions for its ability to control a person. Countless people have fallen prey to periods of intense envy followed by anger and aggression. One of the most common examples is a pair of lovers in which a secret love is discovered and can lead to sorrow, then intense envy, and eventually anger and aggression.
       "Envy" and "jealousy" are often used interchangeably, yet they stand for two different distinct emotions. Jealousy is the fear of losing something  to another person (a loved one, for instance), while envy is the frustration caused by another person having something that one does not have. Envy typically involves two people, and jealousy typically involves three people. It is possible to be envious at more than one individual at any given time. Usually envy involves wanting the beauty, wealth, or socioeconomic status of another individual. Envy and jealousy result from different situations and are distinct emotional experiences.
       Again as with the previous five, almost all world's schools of theology consider ENVY to be a serious matter- The Book of Exodus states: "You shall not covet your neighbor house; you shall not covet your neighbor wife, or male or female slave, or ox, or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor." In Islam, envy (Hassad) can destroy one's good deeds. Therefore, one must be content with what God has given to them by saying Maashallah (God has willed it).

I am always frustrated when someone presents a problem with out a solution, after part seven there will be a part eight which will discuss cause and effect and offer some ideas how we can lower our GUILT level.

Thank You, NO, THANK YOU !

 THANKSGIVING BREAK

       My series on the "Seven Deadly Sins" will continue in a few days, it has generated a lot of interest and has been a challenge to research and write. Those of you who have been following and reading my Blogs, I thank you.I enjoy writing and I hope some of them have proven to be interesting, humorous and thought provoking, if they have been I am thankful for that. I am thankful for my Wife who tolerates my time away from my "Honey Do's" and my Honey while I write. I thank my critics, both constructive and otherwise, you all help me in different ways, the first kind help me to be a better writer and the second type gives me something to write about !
      I thank my parents who cared for me and encouraged me [gently and firmly] to stay in school, with out a decent education I might not be able to communicate at all. I thank my Teachers for teaching, my Mentors for mentoring and my Pastors for their guidance. I thank my DI's in the Army for helping instill a sense of confidence in me and for helping me understand Duty and Honor. I thank my Ex-Wives for tolerating me as long as they did, and for still being my friends and for the great Children we share. I thank my Children for loving their Dad despite my short comings, it demonstrates your good character, for which I am thankful. I thank the people for whom I have worked and those who have worked for me.
      I thank my Friends, both old and new, for overlooking my eccentricities, my sometimes short fuse and those who forgive me for not returning phone calls "in a timely manner".
      And lastly but CERTAINLY not  least. I thank GOD for the blessings I have, even when I gripe, for decent health, for a sound mind [no rude comments please] and for his Grace and Mercy and for spearing my life several times and allowing me time to try and get IT right.

Happy Thanksgiving y'all 

"Seven Deadly Sins" Five-LUST

LUST- Touchy,touchy,touchy subject- in every definition it clearly combines elements of the other six "sins".Dictionary.com gives the following definitions in this order- 
1] uncontrolled or illicit sexual desire or appetite; lecherousness.    2] a passionate or overmastering desire or craving : a lust for power.  3] ardent enthusiasm; zest; relish: an enviable lust for life.

     Many of us, and most, if we are honest,  have and will continue to struggle with this issue. This "sin" like some others has both a good and a bad connotation. I admittedly have experienced all three definitions as aspects in my personal development. For people dealing with this it seems that if one aspect is present in one's life the others are NOT cleverly or easily subdued. While definition  three can and usually does lead to positive results for those who possess it, numbers 1 and 2 are "KILLERS". From personal experience I can confirm that it can and will take you far down a dark road you DO NOT want to travel.
    It seems that while having a "lust" for life is a good thing it can be the impetus for "Addictions" of all kinds, one becomes "Greedy" in trying to satisfy that "lust", angry [given to Wrath] when that "lust" goes unsatisfied and Prideful when it is ! We are beginning to see again how these "sins" co-mingle and feed each other. LUST has been and continues to be a major theme in literature, most "Holy" books have many verses dealing with the subject. In the three major Abrahamic religions, it is considered a sin and  is a craving which can sometimes assume a violent or self-indulgent character. It was a major theme in Dante's work and he addressed it in this way-In the "Inferno", unforgiven souls of those guilty of the sin of lust are blown about in restless hurricane-like winds symbolic of their own lack of self control to their lustful passions in earthly life. The Christian bible makes reference to "The lust of the flesh and the pride of life."
     Historically is is considered to be the reason that the doctrine of Celibacy has become a part of Roman Catholicism and the Hindus consider it to be a pillar of the gateway to hell. It is considered a "deadly" sin not so much for the damage it does to those who commit it as it does to their "Victims".
    The Prophet Mohammed said, "The fornication of the eyes is to look with lust; the fornication of the tongue is to speak lustful things; the fornication of the hands is to touch with lust; the fornication of the feet is to walk towards lust; the fornication of the heart is to desire evil."  It is due to this statement that Muslim women and men are so careful regarding interaction with members of the opposite sex. It should be evident by the weight of the attention given this matter that this Deadly Sin is considered a serious one. I made it clear in part one,that I do not think there is a "score" attributed to one or another which gives it more importance but this one can be so consuming as to lead to the worst consequences for many people.

  While I enjoy "life" a great deal and enjoy others who are vibrant and excited about things and people, I still must learn to be careful not to get to carried away at times. Too much of a good thing is just that, it is too much. Balance, constraint, wisdom.,temperance and common sense are the tools needed to protect us and those we care about from being overcome by lust. Intervention is even necessary at times.

Sometimes for some of us you just have to take our "keys"

"Seven Deadly Sins" # 4 PRIDE

This Illustration was used to depict PRIDE in it's negative aspect. Negative PRIDE can be described as; A vain or" high" sense of one's personal status or ego which leads to judgments of another persons  personality,character or possessions. 

     PRIDE, as one of the "Seven Deadly Sins"  is one which causes people to think the are "extra special" due to some physical trait, their position, financial wealth and or their intelligence.  Physical attractiveness is desirably [like having a "head of beautiful white hair"], being respected for who and what you do is great [like being a really cool retired guy], having money is good [as long as it is a tool and not a "god"], and having a high IQ is important [if your trying to get in Med School].
PRIDE is considered the original and most serious of the seven deadly sins, and the source of the others. It is identified as a desire to be more important or attractive than others, failing to acknowledge the good work of others, and excessive love of self.Vanity- is the excessive belief in one's own abilities or attractiveness to others.Conceit- A regarding of oneself with undue favor. Both of these words in common usage are synonymous with PRIDE in it's unfavorable context. It is simple to see how PRIDE can be a source of the other Seven Deadly Sin, for example the first three we have examined- WRATH or anger; a Prideful person gets angry when others do not acknowledge their superiority or when there position is challenged. They are GREEDY with what they do have for fear that someone would have soothing that they do no have, and they are often SLOTHFUL or lazy as they feel the world owes them a living.
        Having looked at PRIDE in it's negative aspects we want to realize that one must have PRIDE but not be PRIDEFUL. We have concerns today about people not having PRIDE in America, we talk about people without any personal pride, we tell young adults to accomplish this or that so they can have something to be PROUD of. When my Grandchildren accomplish specific tasks, in school, sports, Scouts or some other activity I tell them they should be proud of themselves and that we are proud of them. We can be PROUD that they are just good and decent people [in the "world" today that is quite often a lot to declare].
       It can be challenging to identify or establish the fine line between being proud of ones accomplishments and positive traits and being PRIDEFUL. I am fortunate that my Children and their Children have inherited my Fathers humble nature. I beleive we should be self confident , knowledgeable of our positive traits while being able to admit our faults, it is OK to be brilliant without being boastful, clever without cunning and kind but not condescending.

       

IT IS OK TO BLOW YOUR OWN HORN JUST DON'T BLOW EVERYONE ELSE AWAY.

Four down three to go, stick around, you may learn something, you never know.

"Seven Deadly Sins" The Third-Revised

     More on the foundation of failure, How the "Seven Deadly Sins"  set us up for a miserably and empty life. Even one of these vices is destructive, and since they are so intertwined and "co-dependent" it is hard to have just one.
    This study has been educational and enlightening for me and I hope for any readers as well, it has become apparent how easy it is to "COMMIT" one of these "SINS" and I am realizing that I may not have known the complete definition of any of them.
       Take number three for insistence- SLOTH- Growing up I was taught that SLOTH was laziness and it is in the purest sense. I beleive we all are guilty here, some more that others, While idleness and shiftlessness are listed as synonyms the critical definition is- a disinclination to action or labor or spiritual , moral or emotional apathy and inactivity.
       I, as most people do, feel a high degree of frustration with those who are not self-motivated, those who make little or no effort to better themselves or provide for their families. I tried hard, both as a parent and with any opportunity I have to mentor or influence young people to encourage them to show initiative. Instructing them that if the will simply "put out an effort" that someone will acknowledge that effort. I want to make the point  that I know many "adults" who need to be taught this as well. I am not a "Life Coach" or Pastor , but, I have been called upon to try and influence many "adults"  to "BUCK-UP" as well. I know grown people who will call me, Email me or Message me on Facebook and ask for a phone number which they could have found for themselves. I hear reasoning such as "Well I thought you might know it and I wouldn't have to find my phone book."or even the admission "I was just to lazy to look it up."
      In past BLOGS when I have written about social and poetical issues I have  discussed  being concerned about APATHY.  I, and others whose work I read or listen to are aware that this deadly SIN may kill the hopes and dreams of many and destroy a healthy way of life in this country and many places in the world. If you haven't read it I would refer you to a BLOG of mine from September for more on this issue as it relates to Social and Political Issues.    APATHY.; "Click Here"
      I am saddened by the fact that I hear so many say today, "I just don't care anymore" and at the same time many, at least politically and socially have moved from the middle ground and have become energized to action and do care.
      Society has made it easy to be lazy, fast food [which I enjoy], fast computers [which I must have] etc. We have become accustomed to having things fast often using convenience, as an excuse. Things must be fast to give us more time. So we can be too "BUSY" to do important things. I, myself, out of "slothfulness" may have taken the easy way to make, fix or accomplish a task, NOT because I need the extra time for some useful purpose but just because I was lazy.
       I beleive having made things so easy we have applied 'the quick fix' to many things which really need our full attention. W have become LAZY regarding education, work, child rearing, criminal justice and most other issues. We have drive in or even drive by, Funerals, Church Services, Medical Care, mail in voting, online banking, and most local, state and federal government business can be done on line. You can order almost anything, including food by computer and have it delivered to your home. The entertainment business is currently under going major changes, large video chains shutting down or drastically changing the way they do business, {and why not ? you can order your Pizza and your movie without leaving home}.An old preacher friend of mine would say "Get up off yer butt bone and stand on yer feet bones and use yer head bone to put yer hand bones to doin' sumpton."

IT HAS BECOME CONVENIENT NOT TO CARE ABOUT ANYTHING.

IT OFTEN SEEMS THAT THE ENTIRE WORLD IS SITTING ON IT'S BOTTOM SCREAMING

"FEED ME !''

 

      

" Seven Deadly Sins according to the Old Wives" # 2

People have asked me "What do you hope to do by writing a BLOG ?"- Let me tell a little story to help answer that question;

 One day a man was walking along the shore, as he looked down the beach, he saw a human figure moving like a dancer. He smiled to himself to think of someone who would dance to the day and he began to walk faster to catch up.
As he got closer, he saw that it was a young man, and the young man wasn’t dancing, but instead he was reaching down to the shore, picking up something, and very gently throwing it into the ocean.
He called out, “Good morning, what are you doing?”
The young man paused, looked up and replied, “Throwing starfish into the ocean.”
“I guess I should have asked: WHY are you throwing starfish in the ocean?”
“The sun is up and the tide is going out. And if I don’t throw them then they’ll die.”
“But, young man, don’t you realize that there are miles and miles of beach and starfish all along it. There must be thousands of them on this beach alone. You can’t possibly hope to make a difference!”
The young man listened politely, then bent down, picked up another starfish and threw it into the sea, past the breaking waves and said, “To THAT one, it made a difference.”

If I can get someone to smile, be encouraging, share some information or stimulate the thinking process, I have "thrown one back". I LOVE STARFISH.
    To continue talking about the "Seven Deadly Sins" I believe they overlap and inter connect in a way in which, if you are guilty of one you are involved in all of them. I know that all of us, as humans have a little of each of these as part of our "personalities". The problem becomes toxic when our whole being and purpose is driven and controlled by one of these "SINS".
     The Second one of the accepted list is GREED which is defined generally as-an inordinate desire to acquire or possess more than one needs or deserves, especially with respect to material wealth. Greed can manifest it's self in many ways we may not realize such as, disloyalty,  betrayal, especially for personal gain, or through bribery . Scavenging and hoarding of materials or objects, theft and robbery, especially by means of violence, trickery, or manipulation of authority are all actions that may be inspired by greed. We need to teach and be taught to be satisfied with what we have, that is not to say we should not attempt to improve our selves or obtain the things we need or even want, but to do so at the expensive of others is unacceptable.
     One of my "pet peeves" is the person who constantly says things such as "when I get some money I am going to..." or "I wish I had ......." and "when I can get........I'll be happy". I think these people keep themselves in a constant state of depression or at least unsatisfied, I know it depresses me when I hear it !
     Most violent crimes are born out of greed,; more money, more dope, more power-the OVERWHELMING desire to have something or someone they could or should not have, and in most cases do not NEED.
     When I have expressed my frustration with people who are constant "I WANT"S" I have been reminded that at one time, from a financial stand point I could and often did obtain almost anything I wanted. I was fortunate in business and was blessed. But with every blessing there can come a "curse", with out being consciously aware I began to act as if I could "buy" people as well. Many people in my family and some friends were adversely effected by my actions. My GREED manifested in an unusual way, while not necessarily acquiring "things" for my self I began to spend money and buy things for others; cars, vacations, houses and gifts of all kinds. I had people point out to me that some of my actions were "over the top" but I had become blind to my GREED for acceptance, love and power and position.
     This behavior became obsessive and resulted in Moral, Financial and Spiritual bankruptcy. It has only been through some counseling and a great deal of self reflection that I am aware of the COST of GREED.
As we will continue to see all of these "SINS" are or can be interconnected.

Today I can no longer "buy" people or many "things",but I can and do share what I have and have learned that most things or people of 

VALUE are PRICELESS.

     

" Seven Deadly Sins according to the Old Wives"

     The "Seven Deadly Sins" are said to be; Wrath, Greed, Sloth, Pride, Lust, Envy, Gluttony. Over the centuries the list has varied with, and due to societies whims, they are often divided in to separate lists of major and minor ones. I see no such "scoring" system in any doctrine of any major religion. When I see or hear people making distinctions about someones "character" and classifying them by what "sins" they have observed that person to have, two things come to my mind; First- "Judge not lest ye be judged", and Secondly- I have yet to find a list in any "Holy" book delineating a "point system".
     Society does however see particular behaviors as more grievous than others. The seriousness is determined by the culture in which we live, while some cultures adhere very strictly to the "eye for an eye" system of judgment it seems that western society is doing all it can to insure that the punishment seldom fits the crime.
     Their are thousands of books written regarding political and social issues about which we are most concerned today. I am unsure why we continue to "beat the dead horse" of attempt to "re-invent the wheel", the answers to these problems have been available since time began. I think our reasons for not applying them are many, but the two primary ones in my opinion are- Trying to find the easy way out and a lack of personal responsibility.
     If we simply consider the SDS [seven deadly sins] and their effect we could save a lot of debate and discussion and save a lot of trees by making all these "help" books unnecessary.
WRATH- Strong vengeful anger or indignation- WOW, How many serious problems would be solved in the world today if we could exercise a little self control, be less sensitive, "let bygone's be bygone's", cease demanding "our pound of flesh" and quit demanding and dictating political correctness. In its purest form, presents with self-destructiveness, violence, and hate that may provoke feuds that can go on for centuries. Even Suicide which if we are to believe what we read and hear is almost epidemic among some groups This final solution, at it's root, is anger at one's self. Anger Management courses and programs are money makers for those who teach them and are a big part of today's justice system and counseling programs.

Over the next few days we will examine the other six "Deadly Sins" we will see how they interconnect and look at their counter parts or opposites and see if we can learn and then share with others that the answers are already available.

"ONE STARFISH AT A TIME"- that story next time. Keep on commin' back.