Jul. 12, 2005 - Just One Dollar More

Just think about all the people who come to Homeschoolblogger on any given day.  I'll bet this site receives visits from every continent (except the frozen one) and every state in this country.  We all come from various cultures, religions, backgrounds, and economic situations.  But there is one thing we share in common.

We all have money problems or worries!

Those who've got money want to protect it and make more.  Those who don't have money want to get it as soon as possible.  And then there's the vast majority in-between who want to be like the former while trying to avoid becoming like the latter.  No one seems to have enough money.  Even the government can't get enough and they get to print all they want! 

Does the name J. Paul Getty (1892-1976) ring a bell?

He was a wealthy oil tycoon and at one time was considered the world's richest man.  It was J. Paul Getty who said, "The meek shall inherit the earth, but not it's mineral rights."  Spoken like a true businessman.

The following exchange with a reporter is attributed to Mr. Getty.  (Note, it is also attributed to John D. Rockefeller and, in truth, may just be a legend.  But it's useful for illustration purposes and in Getty's case, seems to fit with his overall personality.)

Reporter: "How much money is enough?"

 

Getty:  "Just one dollar more."

Can you believe it?  Just one dollar more.  The richest man in the world and he wants more money!  Getty apparently meant what he said.  At his 16th-century Tudor estate in England, he had a pay phone installed for his guests to make outgoing phone calls.  Talk about cheap!

If you're like Mr. Getty (and I respectfully submit that we all are), then wouldn't you like to have a few more dollars?  Couldn't we all use a few more bucks?  Sure!

How many of us think financial stability or security is just another raise, promotion, or new job away?  Have you ever found yourself thinking, "If only I had $____, then everything would be ok."?  But it's never enough.

Just one dollar more.

But Paul paints a different picture in I Timothy 6:8-10.

“And if we have food and covering, with these we shall be content.  But those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction.  For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith, and pierced themselves with many a pang.”

By and large our problem isn’t a lack of money, it’s how to manage it and be good stewards.

Perhaps that's why toward the end of his life J. Paul Getty said:  "I hate to be a failure.  I hate and regret the failure of my marriages.  I would gladly give all my millions for just one lasting marital success."  His children didn't turn out so hot either.

Maybe God knows a few things about the pursuit of money that we don't.  Better listen.

Nov. 15, 2006 - one dollar less ?

Nov. 15, 2006 - Reply to Spidey