It Costs to Say Yes But it Costs Immeasurably More to Say No and Leaders Must Teach This Clearly
Despite the catchy but misleading lyrics, money is not the root of all evil.
However, the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. One powerful leader taught that to young potential leaders some two thousands years ago and it still stands true today. You will find the textual advice in Paul’s letter to Timothy, who welcomed and received and embraced the teaching.
If only the business world could see and understand this foundational truth, how much pain, suffering, embarrassment and heartache might have been avoided.
Knowing these truths is important, especially when we have had a procession of Parliamentarians trying to tell us that the Westminster system is wrong. It is not the system which is wrong, but the people.
An attractive able young leader, who had possessions, property, and substantial wealth, came to Jesus Christ.
Something was bothering him. He had a lot, but remained dissatisfied. He did not have what really matters.
“What must I do to inherit eternal life?” was his question to Jesus. He came to the right person with a vital question.
Jesus presented him with various commandments. Do not commit adultery, do not murder, do not steal, do not give false testimony, honour your father and mother.
He quickly looked back over his life, and considered himself to be a good boy.
Jesus did not challenge his reply, but pointed out that there was one thing still to be done. Being that good, surely one more act was straightforward!
He listened to what Jesus had in mind. Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.
His face fell. He became very sad, and off he went. Our faces reveal a lot.
It was not his reluctance to sell everything he had that was the issue, but his unwillingness to obey Jesus.
For this wealthy young man who had such potential, had he surrendered to Jesus Christ, he would have become one of the richest men in the entire world, and also a member of that select band of disciples of the Son of God.
Sandy Shaw