When the great ocean liner Titanic sank in 1912 it was rumoured to have gone down with a fortune in jewels and gold. That longstanding myth was dispelled, however, by the discovery of the ship’s manifest, which showed that the ship was carrying raw feathers, linen, straw, hatter’s fur, tissue, auto parts, leather, rabbit hair, elastics, hair nets and refrigerating equipment.
There is another persistent rumour about riches. It is widely believed that a wealthy person should be honoured and valued, even though he may be ungodly. On the other hand, a godly, self-disciplined person is considered by some to be of little worth if he is not wealthy. David, the author of Psalm 37, cautioned the poor and needy not to be envious of the rich and prosperous. This life is only the beginning of an everlasting existence. So don’t look longingly at the ungodly and their riches. They have no lasting treasures. Instead, wait with patience for your eternal reward.”
The film of Titanic really emphasised the difference between the rich and the poor. The stiff stately dinners for the wealthy and plain food for the steerage passengers. I wonder which group was the happier one? The one thing which they did have in common that night was if they were in the freezing cold water for more than a few minutes they were going to die. I’m not condemning rich people but it’s, in my opinion, what they do with their money. Many are hugely generous to charities and missions. Many poorer people give generously of their time to help others as they cannot help in giving money.
God welcomes all love and care given to help others. It’s better to be poor and walk by faith than to be rich and walk by sight.
God bless, Anna.
