Thursday; July 26

Oliver Wendall Holmes was an American judge who came to prominence at the turn of the 20th Century.  He sat on the bench of the United States Supreme Court during some of the most interesting times in our nation’s history.  The other day I was reading some of his non-law quotes and came across a few interesting thoughts.  The first one is the fodder from some great inspirational posters, “A mind that is stretched by a new experience can never go back to its old dimensions.”, but it was the second one that really got me to thinking, “A man is usually more careful of his money than of his principles.”.  As I pondered our association with our finances I found that many of us have a close attachment to our money.  We are well aware of where we are finically – not only how much money we have in our accounts (and our pockets) but where we stand on the economic ladder. 
          What would happen if we spent as much time pondering our need to do good as we do about our financial security?  Sure, we have an obligation to care for ourselves and our families, but are we more concerned about the inheritance we leave our children than the legacy we leave them?  Do we work harder to provide them a good life or a good example?  When the Apostle Paul spoke some parting words to local church leaders in Ephesus he discussed the time he spent with them and the challenge that lay ahead of them, then observed, “In everything I showed you that by working hard in this manner you must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He Himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” (Acts 20:35)
We are blessed to live in the times we do.  Let’s be financially savvy, but let’s never lose sight of what is truly important.
          Think About It!

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