Christian Living

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Larry Lilly's Letter Thursday February 24, 2011

I am giving thought to compiling a book on "Down Home Philosophical Statements.” A thought from a fellow American far removed from the heights gained by Aristotle, Socrates or even Vince Lombardi set this train of thought on the tracks. Notice:

"Money and women. They're two of the strongest things in the world. The things you do for a woman you wouldn't do for anything else. Same with money."

I thought about sending this bit to Andy Knight, but on second thought realized he will know soon enough.

Today's "Down Home Philosopher" is none other than the Great American, Leroy "Satchel" Paige. Satchel was perhaps the greatest baseball pitcher that ever lived, but due to his color never got to play in the White Major Leagues until he was way past age. He really did not know his true age, but liked the idea of "Forever Young."

The truth of his philosophy for today is undeniable. Even King Solomon, said to be the wisest man ever, had reams of advice about women. Some suggest he should have heeded his own advice on the subject as he had so many wives it took him three weeks to kiss each goodnight. He wrote of the joy of love and warned of the deep pit traps used by unscrupulous women to ensnare a man. Older men know that women can be (are) sneakier than Wiley Coyote and can ruin a man's dream of the life single, with the "look" or the "smile" or a large "balance," hence the Cougar movement. When one springs the "tear" on you, it's over Bud.

What can a mere pastor of a small church that seems to be growing even smaller add to the biblical advice on the folly of loving money? Modern commentators on the scared writings assure us that the term, "covet" and the derivatives thereof are the modern equivalent of "crass materialism." Perhaps a little materialism would be acceptable but the scriptures and Leroy are clear that simple materialism (covetousness) leads to the "crass" version and this happens so swiftly that you hardly notice. Until it's too late.

With all the assurances of the negative nature of women and money you wonder why any sane man would want either or be willing as posited by Paige to do anything for one or the other or most definitely both. A Rich Woman. Dream on Brother. Yet the Bible is clear that a good woman is a true gift from the Lord and further teaches, "It is God who giveth thee power to get wealth."

I suppose that to really enjoy the woman Christ brings into your life and the money you earn along the way can be blessings if you learn to cherish the woman as Christ the church and use the money within the bounds of scripture. This article is so easy to write.

Go ahead and email me concerning this letter. I will be back in a few weeks. Until then I am in a safe place in Tripoli with Qaddafi for safety's sake. The Lord is impressing me that I will be safer with Radical Muslims for a few days than anywhere near Christian Women.

Larry Lilly Copyright © 2011 Use with credit.

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