“And He said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth. Luke 12:15

I have been on both sides of this equation and in some respects, the latter situation was worse than the former, for my adoptive parents should have known better. They were Christians…..but not all Christians live up to His Word….and sometimes the innocent suffer. I understand that now. Our Lord suffered…He was innocent, without sin, and yet suffered so much for me, for mankind.

If I have spoken to anyone about this I don’t recall, and if I did, only briefly, for I didn’t want the truth known of what happened in this adoptive home, and too, I recall being told by an adoptive grandparent, that I was “bad blood.” We would not say hurtful words to people if we were wise. Words live on when bruises are healed. I buried myself in books to escape the hurt.

During those brief years I was forced to go to dances, though I knew it was wrong. I never understood why they encouraged that behavior, other than to keep up appearances in the family and the community, and after all, it was good for business. At that young age, I knew what was right before God, but unsure what to do other than to abstain, which I did. When they went to parties they told me that they got a cup and pretended to drink, even though they weren’t, and that same advice was given me. It was difficult for me to understand why they were giving me such advice after the home that I had come from.

God expects us to live our lives and be an example to others. “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of Him who hath called you out of darkness into His marvellous light: Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.” I Peter 2: 9-10

In the end it was about money and making more money, impressing people, influencing people, buying people, “for where money is god, the servants bow.” I learned many lessons during that time about what it means to be a Christian as set forth in Scripture. God’s Word was my comfort. God’s Word was my hope.

“Without doubt, man’s attitude toward money contributes much to his happiness or sorrow, peace or discontent; for many of his blessings or curses center around it, depending on what he makes it – servant or master.”

Leroy Brownlow

“For the love of money is the root of all evil.” I Timothy 6:10 (KJV)

Eileen Light