Craig Clouston

 

The Dead Sea Syndrome

July 12

Then he said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.”

Luke 12:15

The wealthiest man in town, B.J. Carlitto, attended Winterville Christian Assembly. So when the Finance Committee met to discuss soliciting donations for construction of the new sanctuary, they decided to ask B.J. for a contribution.

Sitting in his spacious living room, they posed the question, “Seeing as you have been blessed with so much wealth, B.J., we figured you would like to make a sizable donation to the church’s building fund.”

“So, you’ve got this all figured out, do you?” he responded. “Did you know,” he asked, “that my widowed sister has no means of support?”

“No. We were not aware of that,” they replied.

“And,” he continued, “are you also unaware that my brother was injured in an accident and has no way of working to support his family?”

“No. We did not,” they replied, somewhat embarrassed.

“And did you know that my mother is in a nursing home that charges thousands of dollars a month for her care?” he added, a note of triumph in his voice.

Chastised, the men said, “No, B.J., we didn’t. We’re truly sorry for assuming.”

“As you can see,” B.J. said, “many people need my great wealth.” He paused, and to their utter amazement concluded with, “I haven’t given them one red cent. What makes you think you’re so special?!”

†

What a sad testament to the nature of greed. When we hoard what God has given us we become a stagnant pool instead of a flowing river of blessing.

Unlike the Sea of Galilee, where aquatic life abounds, there is no life in the Sea of Arabah (The Great Salt Sea or Dead Sea). Without the constant refreshing that occurs when water flows through a body of water, life is unsustainable.

Just like the Sea of Arabah, many people only consume, never knowing the satisfaction and fulfillment that come from being used by God to bless others.

When we hold on too tightly to what God has given us we are missing the point. God does not bless us so we alone prosper. He gives in the hopes we will become rivers of living water.

Prayer

“Lord, may Your blessings always flow through me. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”