You Can’t Take It with You, But...

By: Dr. Greg Quakenbush, Geissler Corp., & Dr. Doug Ford, Production Animal Consultation

Two old friends, Rob and Jon, had gotten back together at a high school reunion to reminisce over old times and get caught up on both current and future events. Jon remembered Rob as being self-centered and their reunion demonstrated that Rob had seemingly changed little. Rob explained that evening how he had become a self-made man, and from what Jon could ascertain, he had burned just about everyone and everything in his quest for success.

After an evening of too many drinks, Rob greatly surprised Jon when he stated that upon his death, he had made plans to take his wealth with him. Jon laughed and stated that “taking it with you” was impossible and challenged his old friend that he was talking like a ‘crazy person’. Rob noted that he was perfectly sound of mind and that time would show that he had this figured out.

As you might expect, Rob died not too much later and Jon, out of a sense of duty, decided to attend the viewing at the mortuary. Jon could not help but notice that no one else had signed the guest book and he appeared to be the lone visitor. As Jon came forward to view the body he was caught off guard as he observed that tucked in tight next to Ron’s corpse were bags filled with cash, gold, silver and other precious items. Jon never seriously considered his old classmate’s intent to hoard his wealth into the grave. He was obviously taking it with him; however common sense indicated that it would be a short trip.

The above story may seem somewhat exaggerated, yet it is very likely we all know someone somewhat like Rob. It is easy to judge Rob a fool, but there is an underlying reality that plagues most of us mortals. That is our seemingly overly selfish attachment to “things” and money.

In contrast to the previous tragic story of Rob, a different but true story recently made the newspaper. A remembrance for a 91-year-old farmer had recently been placed in a local newspaper, which spoke of the deceased’s wonderful nature and generosity. It seems that over the years this individual had consistently been a “giver” versus an “accumulator”. As one example, it was noted that the most popular place to be each Halloween was his farm, as he always spent a great deal of time decorating and creating a special environment for the kids in the community.

In what was surely an unscripted event, the article noted that the farmer had recently purchased a lottery ticket at a rural gas station. To his amazement he won the top prize of

$30,000. After the announcement of his winning, he was quoted joking with his friends saying, “At my age I’m going to get the money right away.” Three weeks after receiving his winnings the gentleman died.

It seems strange that friends would mention a lottery winning as part of a life remembrance article. However, in the short time the old farmer had ownership of the lottery winnings before his death, he had managed to give all of the winning proceeds away. He was known for his generosity and this act was the final proof.

In the closing of this newspaper account of this 91-yearold farmer, it was noted that his funeral service was large and “the church was full”. “That is quite a testament to a man who never married, never had any kids of his own,” commented one relative. A large crowd at a 91-year-old’s funeral is a testament to not only his generosity, but also a life well lived. What a man “is” survives him.

All of this makes one wonder how large Rob’s funeral service might have been and how his obituary might have ultimately read. Was his a life well lived?

The Bible has a lot to say about money and treasure. What is clear is that only those things done for others and with a right heart will remain for eternity. In regards to one’s “treasure” the Biblical principle might be stated best by saying, “You can’t take it with you… but you can send it ahead.” It’s kind of like “paying it forward” but with an eternal impact and perspective.

For your consideration:

Matthew 6:19-21:19 “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal,20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (ESV)

1 Timothy 6:17-19:17 Instruct those who are rich in this present world not to be conceited or to fix their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy.18 Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share,19 storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is life indeed. (NLT)