Who on earth needs a house that has a bowling alley, a barber shop, a casino, a theater and a two-story walk-in closet? Well…none other than LeBron James of the Cleveland Cavaliers. Read more here…
I heard this story this morning and I just had to say something:
WOW! What a waste of money! How can someone justify building a house like that with all the crap going on in our country and world. Imagine all the good LeBron could do with that money. I know he does do some good, but this house he is building is way to excessive. For nearly half the year he is going to be too busy to really enjoy it anyway.
O.K…that’s off my chest…take a deep breath…
I can’t help but to wonder if spending money to excess is displaying bad stewardship. I guess it depends what you are spending it on. Just because you have the money does it mean that you have to buy "stuff" with it. Part of me says that I would never want to win the lottery and have a boat load of money come in. But there is another part of me that would love to give that money away. Being rich is not evil, it is just what you do with the gift God has given you. Here’s what I would do:
(1) FIRST AND FOREMOST I would tithe the money to my church and Bible camp (and a couple other ministries my wife and I support).
(2) I would set up college funds for all my cousins yet to go to college (including my wife’s family of course).
(3) I would pay off the school loans of my cousins (including my wife and I).
(4) I would put some money away for my wife and I to retire on (but I would not retire yet) so we could continue to be a blessing to others.
(5) LASTLY…I would not let the money change me (I know, I know…easier said than done, but I would fight changing with every ounce of my being).
I am not bragging here…it just excites me to think about writing a check out for a couple million dollars and giving it to my church and Bible camp. Wouldn’t that be fun? What would you do with a windfall of money? Let’s say you won $20 million in cash – after taxes. How would you spend it? I am just curious.
I am glad LeBron is enjoying his success, but I hope he is not setting an example for others to follow. Share what God has given you and be a blessing to others. -edh-
The Heart of a Pastor 
My daughter (5th grade) just finished a project that asked each student how they would spend $1M. I was very proud of her when I saw the other presentations. some kids bought candy factories, video games, beach houses…etc.
My little girl’s project was to get all of her family together, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and the like and spend a month traveling to the great cathedrals of Europe. Our final stop would be the Castle Church at Wittenberg. (girl after her daddy’s heart)
BTW..I have recently found your sermon site and have enjoyed reading them. Thanks for posting each week’s sermon.
David,
WOW! Honestly, that story about your daughter gave me goosebumps…that was cool. Family is so important and I am glad your daughter values that as well.
Thanks for the comment and I am glad you are enjoying the sermon site. Take care.
First I would give 1% to relief organizations to meet the needs of the poor especially through mico loans. My wife married into that life-long commitment 33 years ago when I was giving $2.50 a month to world hunger.
Second, I’d evaluate the specific needs of my church and several strategic ministries to meet some unique needs.
Third, I’d max out my daughters’ Roth IRAs for the next five years.
Finally, I’d obtain some wise counsel to see how that money can be expanded to make a greater impact in ministry. In so doing I’d also seek to know God’s will in the entrust responsiblity.
It is fun to give away God’s resources strategically since He owns it all.
Great thoughts…thank you for sharing.
And…agreed…it is fun to give away God’s resources 🙂