Filthy Rich

I have often wondered where the term “filthy rich” came from. Most of the people I know would like to be in that category (even I wouldn’t mind).

With Donald Trump much in the spotlight these days, we are reminded of what it is to be rich. He is reported to be worth about 4.5 billion dollars, certainly rich enough to run for the Presidency on his own dime, but still out of the running for being in there with the BIG boys and girls.

Now is your chance. Jeff Holyfield, director of the Powerball lottery said it’s your turn to be “filthy rich.”

The largest U. S. lottery jackpot in history could easily grow to $800 million by Saturday night’s Powerball drawing – and even $1 billion next week if no winner is drawn. A record-breaking $700 million is at stake Saturday after eighteen draws went by without a jackpot-winning ticket. That figure grew Thursday by $25 million and is expected to increase further before the lucky numbers are selected as states continue to see surges in ticket sales. (TIME)

Personally, I won’t be purchasing a ticket. I keep hearing that Scripture in my mind. . .you know, the one that talks about the llove of money: For the llove of money is a root of all kinds of evil, and by craving it, some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pains. (1 Timothy 6:10)

The very last thing I need is more wandering and pain. It is so easy to get focused on the things of this World (a billion dollars might just cause that), to find ourselves wandering away from a total commitment to Christ and His Church, all the while allowing our faith to falter and fail just when we need it most.

If you’re buying a ticket (of course it could be over by the time you read this on Sunday), be careful. At least two things are likely if you win. 1) You will be tempted to love that money more than the things you ought to llove.  And, 2) I will be calling you about a small loan.