Wednesday, August 4, 2010

WFW: Money Bear

"So is he that layeth up treasure for himself,
and is not rich toward God."

Luke 12:21 (KJV)


"And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully: And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits? And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods. And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry. But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided? So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God. And he said unto his disciples, Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat; neither for the body, what ye shall put on. The life is more than meat, and the body is more than raiment."

Luke 12:16-23 (KJV)

Bear was so sad to run into her friend, good 'ol Money Bear, at the dump the other day. Someone had propped him up against the dump man's little shack, just down the hill from the main dumpster, probably hoping some kid might still want him and take him home, to give him a second chance at life.

But despite his cheery smile and his coat filled with money, there obviously were no takers. He looked so pathetic sitting there, too, leaning against the peeling paint of the wall, grime all over his face, his once cheery green bow tie hanging loose. Oh, sure, he was still wearing that wide smile, eyes still bright with glee over all the money he'd collected during his life, and pinned to his coat.

But where had it gotten him in the end?

Bear had tried to warn him. Tried to remind him that moth and rust do corrupt -- that it's better to put your treasures into heaven -- that earthly wealth passes away -- that you can't take it with you.

But did Money Bear ever listen?

No.

Whenever the church collection basket for the Missionary Offering went by, Money Bear ignored it, even though his coat already had bills hanging out all over it, and he had plenty to spare. He always wanted to keep what he had . . .

Was always looking for more.

He loved to shop the aisles of Bear-Mart though. Loved to build Dens with hand crafted Maple furniture (very expensive stuff). Loved to squeeze that extra bit of profit out of any business deal, even though it often met his customers weren't treated quite fairly. (He always had a rationalization. Always an excuse. So long as it allowed him to keep pinning bills onto his coat.)

Despite that though, he was a pretty fun bear to be around -- had a basically good heart.

Just always had a blind spot when it came to money.

But where does all that money get him at the dump?

It's all too sad.

Bear will miss him.





Internet Cafe Devotions is hosting Word Filled Wednesday, and this week's links are HERE . So be sure and drop over there as well, to find links to the whole selection of entries by Christian writers, and/or to add a link of your own and join in the fun! We all welcome comments and discussion! Bear is also joining in the Seven Clown Circus "Wordful Wednesday" loop this week, and likely in future weeks as well. Seven Clown Circus is not Christian focused -- goal is to post photo(s) and commentary.
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15 comments:

Rachel Renee said...

:) Good message! Put God first, and He will bless you. Put money first, and you will lose your soul. Not a hard choice at all! Put the One first who owns everything and says He will freely give it to you instead of putting money first, which will make itself wings and fly away! Money bear still has a chance to put God first, because He is a God of second chances... As long as you're alive, it's never too late! :D

Wanda said...

Great word to us all bear!

Teacher Engineer said...

yes amen..thank you for this wonderful message:)Godbless

Amanda said...

Very cleverly said! I think the money bear is cute...

Happy WFW!

Beth in NC said...

Great lesson. Poor little money bear ...

Have a blessed WFW!
Beth

Joanne Sher said...

LOVE this. Such a great reminder.

Ozjane said...

sobs....I was hoping bear was going to be able to take him home and clean him up and find him contrite and forgiven....as a prodigal bear.....
Poor sad money bear.
He sure lost it.

Julie Arduini said...

Awesome word and picture!

Sherry @ Lamp Unto My Feet said...

Awesome word, story and picture!

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Matt 6:33
Have a great day!
Sherry

Anonymous said...

Amazing... great Word & picture shared!
Hugs, HL

Denise said...

Great post.

Karen said...

This...was so much more than just awesome! Very creative way to relate this scripture....

Solid Rock or Sinking Sand said...

I love the title of your blog...It brought a big smile to my face. I really enjoyed reading the posts on your blog. I would like to invite you to come on over to my blog and check it out. God bless, Lloyd

Bobbi said...

Hilarious...in a very poignant sort of way! Smiles and love to you!!!

livinginbetween said...

Sometimes, we convince ourselves that if we are not rich toward ourselves, God will not provide. But there is such satisfaction in watching Him provide for us when we've been faithful to give to Him!

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