Monday, November 10, 2003
Monday, November 10, 2003
Jesus said to them, "Give to the emperor the things that are the emperor's, and to
God the things that are God's." And they were utterly amazed at him.
(Mark 12.17
NRSV)
"When the King of Siam came to America for an eye operation some years ago, his American surgeon, accustomed to setting prices somewhat by ability to pay, couldn't decide exactly how much to charge His Royal Highness--$1000 to be a good neighbor? Or $10,000 to prove the operation worth the trip? After all, a king is a king.
Someone suggested that he check with the king's New York lawyer who might have some thought on the matter and so he did. "No problem," said the lawyer. "The king is an honorable man. Like you, he understands value. Simply send him an invoice with no amount indicated, and then add a handwritten footnote: 'The king can do no wrong.'"
He did. Back came a check for $75,000! The surgeon was overjoyed. He bought his wife a mink coat, ordered two new Cadillacs, and blew the rest on a three-month trip around the world.
Upon arrival home, his pocketbook flattened, but happy and refreshed he opened his mail. In it was a bill from the king's lawyer...with no amount indicated, but with a handwritten footnote: 'The honorable doctor can do no wrong.'"
Are we more honorable in giving to Caesar or self than we are to God?
Dear Jesus, you have given me much. Help me to manage your gifts in a way that I can help spread God's love. Amen.
