Two of the most critical lessons being taught through-out the history of the world and even still into this present day are: (1) Those who control the most wealth have the most power over everyone else. (2) We are to absolutely show no mercy to those who would dare to oppose us, for they are the true source of evil, and they should be repaid “an eye for an eye!” And so through-out the centuries humanity has struggled with the concept of one individual controlling vast wealth and resources while thousands or millions of others have starved to death … and I will not even try to recount the millions upon millions who have suffered in the cruel hands of war and ethnic cleansing all in the name of revenge and trying to “keep the evil at bay.”
However, greed and revenge do not have to have the last word. Nor do they even need to be the driving force within our lives. We truly do have a choice; we can choose to follow the teachings of this world or we can turn our back on them and chose to follow different goals.
Jesus is asking us a very interesting question this morning, “For what will it profit them if they gain the whole world but forfeit their life?”[2] Paul also seems to be addressing the same thought when he wrote, “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”[3] Both of these teachings would seem to placing us at odds with our everyday world for they do not match with what the world has been teaching everyone for centuries.
I have recently had the pleasure of seeing a movie with my wife and some friends. If you have not seen the movie or read the book entitled “The Help,” I highly recommend that you take the time to see the film. There is little doubt about the “clash between the haves and the have nots” in this story. The image of those who are actively striving to collect as many “things and honors” in their lives is in deep contrast with those who at first blush appear to have nothing.
However, as the story progresses it becomes very apparent that those who are “holding tightly to the symbols of worldly wealth” are all too willing to use some of the most vile, dispicable, and evil means to gain what they believe to be the greatest treasures of this world. At the same time, we are shown time again how the love of a child, the encouragement of family, and the trust of companions far out-weigh the all to fleeting treasures of this world.
In closing I would share with you three thoughts. First, the next time you are at the calling hours for a “wealthy person,” look closely into the coffin … do you see their vast storehouse of treasures going with them? Of course not; but then why should they be there? What can any one buy in heaven?
Second, for many of us the greatest treasures in this world are the love and the respect of our family and friends. For me there is no greater treasure in all of this world than seeing the smile on the face of one of my grandchildren when they see Poppa!
Third – I would remind all of us of a statement that has been attributed to Mahatma Gandhi, “An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind.” I have discovered that the truest form of grace is to always trust and believe that we can overcome evil with good.
No comments:
Post a Comment