“Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.” (Luke 12:15)
I don’t know about you, but I haven’t been able to get over the fact that Leona Helmsley left $12 million to her dog. Two of her grandchildren received nothing, but her dog got $12 million. Go figure it.
I could not believe how blind Ms. Helmsley was to her own extravagance. There are just too many needs where that kind of money can make a difference, which is why I think the Bible says, “And you shall remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth.” (Deuteronomy 8:18)
Dr. Albert Mohler, President of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary pointed to Helmsley’s gift of a perfect example of how we have strayed from the biblical hierarchy that God established between man and animals. Unfortunately, many of us, just like Leona Helmsley, have elevated our pets to the status of children.
As I searched for Scriptures for this week’s column, I ran across the story of the adulterous woman. The Scribes and the Pharisees had brought a woman to Jesus who had been caught in adultery. They reminded him that Mosaic Law commanded that she be stoned. But Jesus told them, “He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first.” (John 8:7)
I realized as I read that verse that I was throwing stones at others rather than looking at sin in my own life. God has been very good to me, but the real value from those blessings is determined by what I do with them. That’s why Jesus said, “For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more.” (Luke 12:48)
Instead of dwelling on Leona Helmsley, God convicted me to look at how I was using what He had given to me. I was embarrassed by what I saw. Oh, we are poor by Leona Helmsley’s standards, but in my life I see examples of the same unwise use of the resources which God has given us. I know now that I had no right to cast that first stone.
I sure am glad I serve a forgiving God, but I have got to admit that sometimes I wonder what he sees in a sinner like me. There I stood ready to condemn sin in the life of someone else when I was guilty of the same sin. Isn’t it great that our sins are covered by the blood of Jesus and that there are no limits to his forgiveness?
What about you? How are you using the resources with which God has given to you? Listen to what Jesus says: “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.” (Matthew 16:24-25)
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11 Comments
I think this was very well put. As i began to read, I strongly agreed that Mrs. Helmsley was wrong. Then i read more, and even felt guilty for the same reasons the author did. Its amazing how God makes us realize our own faults through others. This is truely an eye opener for me in some ways, and i’d like to thank you for sharing.
Maybe Leona’s dog gave her comfort and joy at the end of her life while her grandchildren gave her nothing of themselves to her. Just a thought. (I got to this site because I wanted to cite properly the source of the quote “To whom much is given…”.)
Correction: (…while her grandchildren gave nothing of themselves to her.)
I am writing an article (not this topic) and doing some research on this verse. You have truly given a very good point of view here. The Bible also says in Matt 7:1-5- “Judge not lest you be judges…..” I think before judging and condemning other people’s actions we should first look at ourselves for we all have faults, we all fall short of the glory of God. I’ve learned through my own circumstances that people do things for reasons that we (the outsider) have no knowledge of. So, it is best that we look at oruselves before looking at others, clean up our act and stay focused on the Word. Leave the judging to the Lord.
Current research into animal consciousness suggests that we may need to reassess what having “dominion” over all the rest of creation really means though it does seem extravagant and I hope that the residual that the dog cannot use goes to assist other animals at least. As far as leaving nothing to two of her grandchildren so what? Most of us lead quite acceptable lives without any sizable inheritance–and stories abound of the lives of lottery winners turned upside down. For myself, I would far rather ‘inherit’ a loving extended family than any amount of money.
I was telling a person what Christ had taught his disciples and he was saying that he wanted to wind down.
I said whatever I have I give it to the Kingdom and I in no way will turn a child away for want.
Response to Obama’s recent address suggesting
a social responsibility is stated in Luke 12:48. Jesus has told us how to live until he comes: we must watch for him, work diligently, and obay his commands. Such attitudes are especially necessry for leaders. Watchful and faithful will be given increased opprotunities and responsibilities. The more resources, talents, and understanding we have, the more we are responsible to use them effectily. God will not hold us responsible for gifts he has not given us, but all of us have enough gifts and duties to keep us busy until Jesus returns. This is an individual obligation and not a collective duty. ie: Collective Christianity.
Sadly, most versions of the bible have that word ‘dominion’ as a previous commenter mentioned, but it really should be read as ‘custodianship’; thus, our duty is to take care, not to subjugate. We are privileged to live in this wonderful planet with all these wonderful creatures, and as the Irish poet-philosopher (and former Catholic priest) John O Donohue once said (in fact he liked to say it rather often!): The duty of privilege is absolute integrity.
Peace upon you all.
I think that God provides us with resources so that we can give with a cheerfull heart, the more He gives, the more it is required of us to give back, remember who gives to the poor, borrows to God. What an amazing revelation that the creation and borrow to the creature.
Dont forget that this also includes our time and effort in His Kingdom.
I liked the column, and agree that we have to look first at our own faults before daring to criticise others.
However, there is such a thing as ‘brotherly correction’ where we are expected to correct our brother who errs, for the good of his soul, just as we must allow others to correct us. It is not wrong to say that Helmsey’s action is wrong; it would be wrong to criticise or ridicule her name for this act.
We can learn a lesson from it: in fact, it is a problem of our times, that people elevate animals to the level of humans, to the point of donating money to them. It is useful to recognise this is wrong, to avoid doing it… and to admit that we too, have squandered the gifts of God.
Finally, I would add to the comment on the Scripture Luke 12:48 that this refers also to the grace or the gift of faith that God gives us, not just material or physical resources.
It is shocking to learn about money left to a pet and to slight one’s flesh and blood! How absurd can you be? Yet, your conclusion was right on the money! We see through a glass darkly and there are many woes to the rich! Past history confirms that fact! Maybe she did them an enormous favor! Now,many know that the love of money is the root of evil! Money is a Defense so judge not,lest you be judged!Thank Clint for reminding us that God gives us the power to get wealth!Trust that He knows who can handle it?