This week’s reflection comes from King Duncan, Collected Sermons, sermons.com
Henry Ford once asked an associate about his life goals. The man replied his goal was to make a million dollars. A few days later Ford gave the man a pair of glasses made out of two silver dollars. He told the man to put them on and asked what he could see.
“Nothing,” the man said. “The dollars are in the way.”
Ford told him he wanted to teach him a lesson. If his only goal was dollars, he would miss a host of greater opportunities. He should invest himself in serving others, not simply in making money.
That’s a great secret of life far too few people discover. Money is important. No question about that. But money is only a means by which we reach higher goals. Service to others. Obedience to God.
God comes to the rich man and says, “You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?”
The answer was clear. The rich man had put his trust in things. Now he was leaving these things behind.
THOUGHT TO REMEMBER: Good things don’t happen for those who wait — they happen for those who start working.
The Light 
Wonderful post with great insight.
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Thank you. Wish I could take credit.
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Hi Joe….very good analogy. There is far too much materialism today. Have you noticed that some people who have wealth are never satisfied and they want more and more ? Do you remember what Jesus said ? What would it profit a man to gain the whole world, and lose his own soul ? If he loses his soul, he loses everything. He loses himself.
There is nothing wrong with having material things, nor is there anything wrong with having reserve funds in the bank. I was raised with the work ethic, and I firmly believe in this. I invested much time and effort into my work life. My siblings and I were raised Catholic, but my paternal grandfather was Presbyterian, and we were also raised with the Presbyterian ethics. If you want something, earn it. Work hard for a living. Be independent, and stand on your own two feet. Be proud of who you are, and be proud of your ancestry. Fortunately, I heeded his advice.
Many things are a matter of perspective, and we have different perspectives on life. For me, I have learned to find contentment in my life. I don’t have lofty ambitions, I’m retired, and I’m enjoying my retirement. I’m now running on cruise control. I have learned very much from my NDE over 40 years ago. This was a beautiful blessing and a very special gift. As the years have elapsed, I’ve learned more and more about the meaning of spiritual things, and how important they are. There’s an old adage: You can’t take it with you. Someone could amass a fortune, but when they die a physical death, they will leave it all behind. Being a Scotsman, I have wondered if God would make an exception, and allow me to take the money with me….LOL. Just kidding. Actually, when we go into the afterlife, everything we need or desire will be provided for us. Receiving everything for free. This is a Scotsman’s dream come true….LOL.
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Amen brother. Work hard but remember you are not defined by work but by the bonds you create. Jesus was always working with people — enriching them, instructing them, encouraging them. He seemed more comfortable with the sinners than the saints. Seems like we have backwards.
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Dollars didn’t get in my way,
they were everything to me.
They defined the state of play
and what was victory.
Osteen and his vocal pals
gave me my holy brief
defined new “How shall” ‘s
to fit my new belief.
But now I can see it all,
the grave and fatal lie.
The siren song before the Fall
where we were marked to die.
Steady on, though I am poor
and for my God, I shall endure.
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It’s so much easier to see without dollar coins in your eyes. Keep looking up!
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