And this link shows an experiment wherein two monkeys are given unequal treats and how that monkey, who received a lesser treat responds seems almost human.
It seems as though those with less give more and those with more give less or not at all. Here's Jesus' take on those who value possessions more than anything else.
16 And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?
17 And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.
18 He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness,
19 Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.
20 The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet?
21 Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.
22 But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions.
23 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven.
24 And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. Matthew 19:16-24
This rich man valued his possessions more than following Christ and so he left, sad but he left because he would rather have all his stuff than give it up and live without possessions or a home as did Christ and His disciples.
19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:
20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:
21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. Matthew 6:19-21
I think what Jesus means is that what you value holds your heart so if you value possessions then that's where your heart will be and inevitably possessions and looks will fade or disappear and your heart with it.
But no one can take away your relationship with God, the only person even capable of corrupting that relationship is you. It will last forever. I think sometimes people are treated as possessions and possessions as people.
It's not evil to have or enjoy nice things but when you treasure them above your relationships with friends and family or your relationship with Christ then there is an issue.
I have had a hard time making ends meet over the years and if it weren't for the kindness an charity of others I would not have made it through. I would have been homeless too. And rather than pay it back I've been told to pay it forward and when I have I have asked that mine and my wife's kindness be paid forward when they get the chance and that is more rewarding than being paid back I feel.
40 And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloak also.
41 And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain.
42 Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away. Matthew 5:40-42
Yes I believe Jesus was being metaphorical but I do also believe He was being literal as well. It is possible to buy a new car or a new home but one cannot buy a sincere relationship with others or with God. That takes heart not money. Having heart and treasuring friends and family and God over the material possessions of the world is a better way of living. Paying kindness back but also forward is how so many of us are inspired and lifted up day to day. I just feel like that's a better way.
"For behold, are we not all beggars? Do we not all depend upon the same Being, even God, for all the substance which we have, for both food and raiment, and for gold, and for silver, and for all the riches which we have of every kind?" Mosiah 4:19
