The Daily Devotional
Friday, March 15, 2024
The Legacy of True Riches
Friday, March 15, 2024
The Legacy of True Riches
There is a grievous ill that I have seen under the sun: riches were kept by their owners to their hurt.
Ecclesiastes 5:13
Introduction
In the poignant words of Ecclesiastes 5:13, "There is a grievous ill that I have seen under the sun: riches were kept by their owners to their hurt." This scripture invites us to reflect deeply, particularly in the context of the Great Depression—a time when the Dust Bowl ravaged the United States, and countless families, like my mother's, were uprooted from their homes in Oklahoma to seek a new life in California. In contrast to this struggle for survival, let's consider the story of John Millburn Davis of Hiawatha, Kansas.
Reflection
John Davis, a self-made millionaire with no heirs, stood at a crossroads between using his wealth for societal benefit or crafting a personal legacy. Opting for the latter, he commissioned eleven life-sized statues of himself and his late wife, a decision his community viewed as self-serving. This mirrors a common conflict: the temptation of material wealth against the duty to contribute to the greater good. Ecclesiastes cautions against the pitfalls of hoarding wealth, a lesson underscored by Davis's admission to journalist Ernie Pyle, "They hate me in Kansas." His refusal to fund public works like a hospital or park, insisting "It’s my money and I spend it the way I please," highlights the tension between personal desires and community needs, encapsulating the often complex relationship we have with wealth and its impact on our legacy.
Application
As we reflect on this dichotomy, we are reminded that true wealth isn't measured in monetary terms or tangible assets. It is found in the love and service we provide to others. During the Great Depression, many faced severe poverty, yet stories of generosity and communal support abound. These acts of kindness created a legacy far more enduring than any statue.
Conclusion
John Davis's legacy poignantly illustrates that life's true worth lies not in our personal accumulations or creations, but rather in the impact we have on others. His story, set against the backdrop of the Great Depression, underscores the profound truth that in our darkest times, it is not the monuments we build for ourselves that endure, but the acts of community, resilience, and compassion. These qualities, reflecting the brightest aspects of the human spirit, forge a legacy far more lasting than any material wealth. Ultimately, what remains most significant are the offerings of love we extend to one another and to the Divine, who guides us in understanding the deepest essence of love.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help us to see beyond the temporary allure of worldly riches. Guide our hearts towards acts of kindness, generosity, and love. Teach us to value the impact we have on others above the wealth we accumulate for ourselves. In times of hardship, like the Great Depression, remind us that our greatest legacy is found in our service to You and our fellow humans. Amen.
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Devotional by: Kenny Sallee, ThM — Deming, NM, USA
The Bible texts are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible (NRSV)© 1989, 1993, the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
In the poignant words of Ecclesiastes 5:13, "There is a grievous ill that I have seen under the sun: riches were kept by their owners to their hurt." This scripture invites us to reflect deeply, particularly in the context of the Great Depression—a time when the Dust Bowl ravaged the United States, and countless families, like my mother's, were uprooted from their homes in Oklahoma to seek a new life in California. In contrast to this struggle for survival, let's consider the story of John Millburn Davis of Hiawatha, Kansas.
Reflection
John Davis, a self-made millionaire with no heirs, stood at a crossroads between using his wealth for societal benefit or crafting a personal legacy. Opting for the latter, he commissioned eleven life-sized statues of himself and his late wife, a decision his community viewed as self-serving. This mirrors a common conflict: the temptation of material wealth against the duty to contribute to the greater good. Ecclesiastes cautions against the pitfalls of hoarding wealth, a lesson underscored by Davis's admission to journalist Ernie Pyle, "They hate me in Kansas." His refusal to fund public works like a hospital or park, insisting "It’s my money and I spend it the way I please," highlights the tension between personal desires and community needs, encapsulating the often complex relationship we have with wealth and its impact on our legacy.
Application
As we reflect on this dichotomy, we are reminded that true wealth isn't measured in monetary terms or tangible assets. It is found in the love and service we provide to others. During the Great Depression, many faced severe poverty, yet stories of generosity and communal support abound. These acts of kindness created a legacy far more enduring than any statue.
Conclusion
John Davis's legacy poignantly illustrates that life's true worth lies not in our personal accumulations or creations, but rather in the impact we have on others. His story, set against the backdrop of the Great Depression, underscores the profound truth that in our darkest times, it is not the monuments we build for ourselves that endure, but the acts of community, resilience, and compassion. These qualities, reflecting the brightest aspects of the human spirit, forge a legacy far more lasting than any material wealth. Ultimately, what remains most significant are the offerings of love we extend to one another and to the Divine, who guides us in understanding the deepest essence of love.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help us to see beyond the temporary allure of worldly riches. Guide our hearts towards acts of kindness, generosity, and love. Teach us to value the impact we have on others above the wealth we accumulate for ourselves. In times of hardship, like the Great Depression, remind us that our greatest legacy is found in our service to You and our fellow humans. Amen.
-------------------------
Devotional by: Kenny Sallee, ThM — Deming, NM, USA
The Bible texts are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible (NRSV)© 1989, 1993, the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
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