Years ago, it was my practice to go for a haircut without making an appointment, so while waiting for my turn, I would read any available literature. One of my favourites was the Reader’s Digest, concentrating on the many humorous stories and comments.
One story that has stayed with me related to two elderly men waiting by the side of the road to pay their respects to a funeral cortege for a local benefactor. As it passed, one man said, “Do you know how much he left?” The other replied, “The lot”.
I trust I am not envious of the enormous salaries paid to sports persons or “captains of industry”, but when I hear of incredibly large bonus payments, I wonder what ever happens to all that money. I confess that my financial background and training intrigue me to consider the many ways to invest it. How lovely to be able to benefit Christian organisations and young people struggling with property purchases, to name but two. Even with the best of intentions, I am pleased that God has not entrusted huge sums to me, because maybe He knows that my theory would not be demonstrated in practice.
Romans 12 verse 1 speaks of “presenting your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service”. Now, if you agree that our minds and decision-making are part of our bodies, then our attitude and accountability should be part of being a living sacrifice.
As someone who, many years ago, resolved not to make any New Year resolutions, perhaps it is appropriate, at the start of a new year, to seek God’s guidance in getting our priorities right.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, using the hymn-writer’s words. I pray, “Take my silver and my gold, Not a mite would I withhold. Take my intellect and use every power as Thou shalt choose. AMEN