“This Old Truck” Update 3
“This Old Truck” Update 3
I briefly wrote about my old truck in another article titled “Post Hoc Ergo Propter Hoc,” but it deserves an additional mention because it sums up our relationship with material possessions. How can we store up treasures in Heaven when we are so preoccupied with acquiring worldly wealth? Ironically, we will go into debt to buy a new shiny object, yet neglect our commitment to giving. We spend an inordinate amount of time acquiring earthly treasures, as if there is some sort of contest to remain competitive in this secular world. Have we forgotten that Earth is not Heaven?
“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth. Where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Mathew 6:19-21 NKJV)
This Old Truck
As I grow older and hopefully wiser, I realize that the simple things in life mean more to me than the complicated worldly pursuits of keeping up with the Joneses. My trusty old truck is a perfect example. This truck, a heartfelt gift from my father, still transports me just as reliably as the shiny new ones I see every day. While I might need to give it a little TLC now and then when it breaks down, I don't have to worry about monthly payments adding stress to my life. Like me, this old truck proudly bears the dents and dings of a life well-lived. I have shown my love for it by repairing the damaged exterior and giving it a fresh coat of paint. Now I’m focusing on the inside, where most of the work still needs to be done. The interior has cracked and worn from constant use and the rough world around us. The repairs are extensive but certainly doable. I tried rebuilding the dashboard myself, but most of the parts I found were brittle and useless, so I had a custom aluminum dashboard made for it — a perfect match to the original.
Sometimes, don’t you feel like you need a complete renewal? Just as God sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to give us new life, we only need to accept Jesus, invite Him into our hearts, and turn away from our sins. And just as my trusty old Dodge truck, affectionately called Birddog, doesn’t need to impress anyone and keeps going through life’s storms, it’s ready to meet my needs for many more years to come.
I read a unique financial planning book long ago, “Die Broke” by Stephen M. Pollan and Mark Levine. The more I think about the book’s ideas, the more intrigued I become by their simplicity. First, quit the boring, unfulfilling job that offers no personal satisfaction and where you are unappreciated. Second, get out of debt and start paying cash for everything. Once you are out of debt, it becomes easier to do work you are exceptionally qualified to do and that brings you pleasure. Third, never retire because if you enjoy your work, there is no need to drive off into the sunset wearing your Hawaiian shirt. Fourth, die broke by giving all your assets away while you are still alive.
The more I think about the book's general tenets, the more I realize that much of the advice aligns with Biblical scripture. For instance, God gives each of us special talents to further His Kingdom. If we are working a job that does not make use of our extraordinary talents, we are wasting our God-given abilities. However, once we discover our talents, we can use them to glorify Him.
“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:10 NKJV)
God also tells us to avoid debt. He does not say that debt is a sin; however, He strongly suggests that we avoid the bondage of debt's affliction.
“Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law”. (Romans 13:8NKJV)
There is only one mention of retirement in the Bible. However, even the Levites did not retire but remained in service as advisors and counselors.
“Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, This is what pertains to the Levites: From twenty-five years old and above one may enter to perform service in the work of the tabernacle of meeting, and at the age of fifty years they must cease performing this work, and shall work no more. They may minister with their brethren in the tabernacle of meeting, to attend to needs, but they themselves shall do no work. Thus you shall do to the Levites regarding their duties”. (Numbers 8:23-26)
Finally, we should acknowledge that we brought nothing into the world. Why do we work so hard to accumulate assets only to leave them behind at our deaths?
“Now, godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content.” (1 Timothy 6:6-8 NKJV)
Dying broke also means we should give away our excesses to those who can better serve in this world before we die. When we give away our surpluses, God can use them to multiply our gifts. What better way to serve the Lord than to give Him what we cannot use? Unfortunately, we are trained to keep building assets out of fear of running out of resources. There is a story in the Bible about hoarding reserves that typifies our secular mindset.
“Then He spoke a parable to them, saying: The ground of a certain rich man yielded plentifully. And he thought within himself, saying, ‘What shall I do, since I have no room to store my crops?’ So he said, ‘I will do this: I will pull down my barns and build greater, and there I will store all my crops and my goods. And I will say to my soul, Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years; take your ease; eat, drink, and be merry.’ But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be which you have provided? (Luke 12:16-21 NKJV)
Giving is a wonderful way to show our appreciation for the gifts God has so abundantly blessed us with. Rewrite your financial plan to reflect giving the first fruits of your labor. Also, do not forget to include a place in your plan to give any excess gifts back to the Lord so He can multiply them to bless others.
Your faithful servant
References
Pollan, S., & Levine, M. (1997). Die broke. Harper-Collins.
The Holy Bible: NKJV New King James Version. (2016). Nashville, Tennessee: Holman Bible.
