Why the Powerful Fall

Without even mentioning a single name everyone of us can think of a wealthy, powerful, influential person who seemed to have everything you could ever dream of having in this life take a huge fall. The story seems to repeat itself over and over again. What is it about gaining huge amounts of wealth, power, and notoriety that sets people up for such a dramatic collapse?

The sad reality is we almost expect our politicians, power brokers, celebrities, sports figures to crash and burn in their personal lives. We can almost see it coming. Sometimes when I see a great college athlete that signs some huge multi-million dollar deal at the age of 22 my heart just aches for them. For many of them they are totally unprepared for all that will come their way as a result of the money: the pressure to perform, and the ups and downs of public opinion. Fans can one moment worship a young player and the next want to crucify them.

Richard Foster is one of my favorite writers. Some years ago he wrote a book entitled: Money, Sex and Power. The title was soon changed to The Challenge of the Disciplined Life: Christian Reflections on Money, Sex, and Power. The book addresses the truth that money, sex and power must be disciplined - managed properly or they have the potential to destroy your family life, your marriage, your business, and your reputation.

My heart truly goes out to people who cannot see the danger of these powerful human drives when they are not under control and managed wisely. They are a train wreck waiting to happen.

I remember Jesus words about money - Jesus talked about money all the time, even though he never had any. He knew money was a big deal. His words are direct and clear:
"You cannot serve both God and money." (Matthew 6:24)

Just think about that for a while and then ask yourself a simple question: Is money (or sex or power) a rival God for me?

For all those who have made the headlines lately, I wish they could have stepped back earlier in life when all the money and power came their way and honestly asked themselves that question. Perhaps they could have saved themselves so much heart ache and loss.

Sobering for all of us who have so much of this worlds stuff.

Just thinking, Steve