Monkeys Do and Humans Too

What is it that monkeys will do and likewise us humans? There is one personality characteristic that is sadly similar.

Monkey Business

There is a story told about the way monkeys were captured, in years past. Hunters would take a large barrel, cut a small hole in it, just large enough for the monkey to get his hand and arm through. Then the barrel was filled with bananas and other treats monkeys craved.

When the monkey reached into the barrel to grab one of these treats he would clinch his fist. However, by doing so, the monkey was unable to pull his hand back through the hole. Even when the monkey saw his captors coming with nets he would rather greedily hang on to the treat than drop it and escape to freedom. His greed made him easy prey for the hunters, and costing him his freedom.

Perhaps we chuckle or shake our head in disbelief at the stupidity of monkeys preferring to cling to a treat they can’t retrieve rather than dropping it to run to freedom – and it is stupid!

Humans are No Different

How many of us have greedily held on to things we don’t need, can’t use, or know will cost us some form of harm? Whether is a bad habit, neglecting to do something we know we should, or being generous by sharing with others in need?

When we hang on to attitudes which keep us from being charitable and hospitable to others we are just like those monkey…greedily clinging to what will cost us in spiritual growth and blessings.

The Reasons are Many

There are many reasons why we aren’t charitable and why we avoid being hospitable. But first let’s clarify these two words: Charitable and Hospitable.

Charitable is the same as generosity, self-sacrificing, unselfish, beneficent, and big hearted.

It is the opposite of being stingy, greedy, “tight”, covetous, and selfish.

Hospitable is the same as friendly, gracious, congenial, neighborly, cordial, and kind in an accommodating way. It is the opposite of rude, inconsiderate, distant, aloof, and stand-offish.

What are the reasons we don’t demonstrate charity and hospitality?

• I don’t have time to be charitable.
• Why should I take care of someone else’s needs, I have enough to do to take care of my own.
• Once you give, people will impose upon my good nature.
• No good deed goes unpunished.
• I can’t afford to help someone out, I would like to but financially I just can’t
• Nothing good ever came of trying to help someone.
• I can’t give this stuff away; I might need it some day.
• I just am not the type to be hospitable
• You can’t expect me to welcome anyone to my place, its just too small for us now.
• I am not my brother’s keeper, (or my sister, or my parents, or my friend, or a stranger).
• I would be uncomfortable having visitors to my home.
• Sorry, I just don’t have the time or space for company.

These represent the more common reasons or excuses for not being charitable and/ or hospitable. But let’s take each one and see the fallacy of it.