In the opening scene of Fiddler on the Roof, Tevye asks God wistfully, “who it would hurt if I were a rich man”?
The scriptures tell us, “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.” (Mark 10:25)
With the preceding scripture in mind (yes, another agenda-driven poll question 🙂 ), I present to you today’s poll question. Be sure to register your vote in the poll and share your comments!
The “calling and election made sure” part makes this question a “no brainer.”
The “calling and election made sure” is certainly tantalizing, but so too is $300 million. 😉
Knowing what I know now, I would choose the latter, but the former would be a nice curse to have (as long as it didn’t damn me to hell).
Nice to see that your poll-writing skillz have improved, Brian Duffin. [wink]
I chose the filthy lucre. Even if money were some sort of prohibition to getting into heaven, the Lord is quick to forgive.
You know today’s discussion makes me think about how the LDS people I come in contact think. The prevailing notion in my neck of the woods is; IF you are wealthy then this is evidence of your righteousness. IF you suffer poverty it is because you are not as righteous as the wealthier saints. Justification for this line of reasoning is Jacob 2:18-19. Of course I know this particular thinking is skewed, but it is interesting how some members of the church think.
I vote for calling of election made sure, but like Tevye, I would like to think it would not hurt anyone if I were a rich wo(man)… “O Dear Lord you made many many poor people. I realize of course, it is no shame to be poor, but it is no great honor either….Yubby dibby dibby dibby diibby dibby dibby dum……” see:
Whoops I did to realize my son Tex, our newest blog commentator, was still on my name thingy. #4 is really me JABenson.
@Hunter
Just wait until next week!! I’m sure Fox News will have a poll I can copy and use to obfuscate some important issue of the day. Btw, has anyone seen my Glenn Beck book or the RNC talking points memo???
Can’t there be a happy medium in this poll? Like comfortably middle class? 🙂
@Ginger
That’s a nice thought, but it defeats the purpose of the poll. 🙂 Pretend you’re Jacob, choose you this day which answer you prefer. As for me and my house, I choose poverty and exaltation!
I think it may be easier to obtain eternal life than it is to obtain $300 Million. I’ll take the money and do my best to live the gospel. Sorry.
I agree with what Eric Nielson said. I would take the money and live the gospel. There’s so much good in the world that can be done with $300 million. I could give money to the poor, I could volunteer without having to worry about earning a living, etc.
Thanks to everyone who has commented and taken the poll. We are still trying to resolve some server issues, so your patience is appreciated. 🙂
Now, if I had $300 million dollars, I would hire someone who knows what they are doing and fire myself as site administrator!!
I had a dream once along this line. I was standing in a field in the rain. My arms were extended out at shoulder height with my hands cupped to catch the rain. I could feel the rain falling on my up-turned face and running down my arms and torso.
An angel came up behind me alittle to the right side and stopped. He said, “You seem to be enjoying yourself.” I told him that I was, that it was the warmest rain I had ever felt, and that it made me feel so clean. He said that it should because it was the blood of Christ that washes away the sins of the world. I smiled knowing that I was clean.
He then told me that he had been sent by Heavenly Father and that I could have any blessing I wanted. I too quickly told him that I had a daughter in college and another going soon and that I needed money. He frowned, turned away from me and began to prepare the gift. I tapped him on the shoulder and said that I had spoken too soon and that I really wanted eternal life for me and my family. He smiled and said that that was what he thought I really wanted. He turned away again and prepared the gift. When he turned around again, he handed me a box, turned and left. The dream ended before I could open the present.
I’ve though about that dream often. It helps my perspective.
I chose the money. Obviously HF doesn’t think having too much money would be much of a trial for me, or I’d have a lot more of it. Therefore, I can assume I am already equipped to resist the temptation of the almighty dollar, accept the money, and live out my days philantrophically before my translation. 😉