Your instructions are more valuable to me than millions in gold and silver. Psalm 119.72, NLT
Lately I feel like the petroleum industry survives on my contribution alone. Last night I stood (AGAIN) at the gas pump, filling up (AGAIN) and I noticed a handwritten sign covering each of the station’s credit card readers. It stated in faded marker-print,
Kentucky Powerball is now at $341 million. Play today!
I had not thought about the lottery in a long while. I have never played before. However, standing there watching the “cheap” $3.33/gallon fuel become quickly “expensive,” I let my mind wander. What would I do with $341 million? Since I employ a hyperactive imagination, I had no troubles with the mental gymnastics required to determine how to dispense of the entire amount. For the record, I would be one of those who patiently wait. I would want all $341 million, not the just ” quick cash” payout.
Though tempted, I did not “play” yesterday. I went inside the convenience store and paid just for the fuel, got back in my car and started the drive to the next required “fill-up.” I am amazed at myself as I grappled with how alluring the prospect of receiving a lot of money at one time is to me. I am old enough and experienced enough to know that even such a hearty sum as $341 million is only a temporary resource. I am absolutely convinced I could make it disappear without too much effort. What kind of wealth is that?
Yet, I already possess a treasure. This treasure bears the unique distinction of having been burned, banned, buried, persecuted, scoffed at and completely ignored. Any other treasure would have long ago suffered a complete meltdown into oblivion, just like so many other treasures humans have declared of worth over the millennia. This treasure has not tarnished, it bears no chips or cracks, it remains powerful enough to change entire cultures and to even impart value into the seemingly valueless life.
The question I should have asked myself while standing at the gas station watching my wealth disappear gallon by gallon is, “What should I do with the instructions God so richly blessed me, since I will never be able to ‘spend’ them all?”
This is the question I am asking myself today and that I pray I am asking myself tomorrow. How about you?
TheNarrowRoadPursued 
Perhaps a good choice. State lotteries are effectively sucker bets & I don’t miss that Utah has passed on having one.
The farmer sows the word (Jesus). (Mark 4:14) There is no indication in the parable that the seed will ever run out, so I guess we should sow it far, wide, thick, and often. I pray for an abundance of “good soil”!
Love it! You are correct, the seed bag doesn’t run dry. I had not thought of it that way before. Thanks Jeff!
Having worked in the financial industry for nearly 30 years I have seen families split and the true nature of a lot of people over a few dollars. I can say with confidence that the joy of money fades quickly but the joy of the Lord is everlasting.
True word, I have seen the same thing. True riches get better with time!