https://odb.org/2024/06/23/rich-in-good-deeds
Today’s ODB story of Oseola McCarthy donating 150,000 dollars to a nearby university to create a fund for needy students after slogging for 70 years as a washerwoman is both inspiring and exemplary. It is the personification of 1 Timothy 6 of coming and leaving here with nothing, and thus, we should focus on storing up riches in heaven. It echoes Jesus’s teaching in Matthew 6:19-21 on the same subject, and Jesus’s rationale is that riches in heaven will last for eternity where moth and rust will not destroy nor the thief steal.
Of course, Oseola’s kindness begs the question, why slog so hard and be miserly on herself only to give it all away? She should have just enjoyed life to the fullest with whatever little she has. This is because she didn’t have much in the first place, and she had to work very hard for her money.
I think the key to Oseola’s ability to be so selfless is contentment. Paul taught in 1 Timothy 6:6-10 that godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing to this world, and we can not take anything out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. For those who want to get rich, fall into temptation and a trap, and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. In other words, she was content to live simply and miserly so she may accumulate some wealth when she retires.
However, when she retired at 86, she had enough for her old age and thus probably had a goal to do a special deed for future generations. That is likely the second key to Oseola’s ability – she had a goal to do good deeds. So, rather than leave behind a small fortune doing nothing or giving it back to the state, she made sure it benefited society. That is why some wealthy individuals leave behind fortunes to create foundations for the good of all, instead of leaving inheritances for their heirs to scoundrel and waste away.
The message this morning is that as we age and retire, do provide for a comfortable retirement in our old age. But contentment with what we have is key as in the process, we could focus on doing good for others and store up treasures in heaven for our next life with Christ in eternity. Always remember we came with nothing on earth and will also leave with nothing except for our good deeds in Christ and our riches in heaven.
Ronnie's Thoughts 