There are a lot of choices. You can watch them on the
national news networks and TV shows, in theaters, at sporting events or in the
halls of Congress and the White House. There are so many of them and they’re
all ready and willing to share their “expert” opinions on everything from money
to the climate to health to politics – especially politics.
Since they have so much money they’re certain that everyone
will listen to them and take their advice. After all, money means success, and
success comes from superior intelligence and a sharper instinct. Or a lot of
them believe this to be so, which makes it hard to view their arrogance.
Thankfully I’ve known several very intelligent people, and
the smartest of them have been much more normal and down to earth than the celebrity
types noted above. If they have a lot of money you wouldn’t know it. They don’t
waste their wealth on opulent homes or cars.
Admittedly, most celebrities didn’t start out being rich,
but as the riches came to them they were changed. It’s human nature – it can’t
be helped by many people. As the Bible says, “Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a
trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and
destruction.”
There is
a way to avoid this trap, which is also found in Scripture, “Command those who are rich in
this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is
so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with
everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good
deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.”
If one is blessed with wealth, it is the sharing of
financial blessings with those in need that provides an even greater blessing
than the money itself provides.
COPYRIGHT 2020 BY CARL E GUSTAFSON
