This article brings up some good points but I think the reason we don't see looters in Japan's disaster like we did in New Orleans is the fact that the Japanese are trained from day one to respect authority and others. You just don't go take advantage of another's misfortunes when you hold to values that dictate respect for authority and others.
Chile, Haiti, New Orleans and other places have all had major looter problems. I don't believe it has anything to do with race, but I do believe it has everything to do with the values people are brought up with.
How would we fair in our community if a major disaster hit? Would we all pull together or would we pull apart? Would we all sit around waiting for a government hand out or would those of us who are able bodied get up and start doing what we can to help others? Would we share what we have with one less fortunate or would we hoard it for ourselves? Would we take what is not ours at the expense of another in our quest for survival or would we be willing to suffer so as to allow another what little comfort they have left?
What are your core values? Do you value human life? Do you value hard work? Do you make decisions based on your selfish desires?
I was convicted today as I read in James 2 the following:
James 2:15-18 If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, and one of you says to them, "Depart in peace, be warmed and filled," but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit?
Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.
But someone will say, "You have faith, and I have works." Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.
I have such a long ways to go. I am so self-centered. How often do I make decisions from a self-centered point of view? Do I share what I have with others easily? How would I fair if a disaster hit our community? What would I do? Would I show my faith by my actions? These are tough questions.
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