What Would You Do For $10,000,000?

What are you willing to do for $10,000,000?  This was a question asked in a poll back in 1991.  The people were given several options and then instructed to indicate all that they would be willing to do.  Here were the results:

• 25%  – Would abandon their entire family.
• 25% – Would abandon their church.
• 23% – Would become prostitutes for a week or more.
• 16% – Would give up their American citizenships.
• 16% – Would leave their spouses.
• 10% – Would withhold testimony and let a murderer go free.
• 7% – Would kill a stranger.
• 3% – Would put their children up for adoption.

Obviously, the results are extremely concerning. Overall, out of everyone polled, two-thirds were willing to do at least one of these (James Patterson and Peter Kim, The Day America Told the Truth, 1991).  With the exception of “giving up American citizenship,” every single one of these is wrong.  This poll gives us a sad look at people’s hearts.

While it may not always go to such sinful lengths, this is exactly what Paul was trying to warn people about in 1 Timothy 6:10, “For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.”

Unfortunately, we often try to tell ourselves that “richness” is something that doesn’t apply to us.  Or that such actions would only be taken by a non-Christian. If we’re being honest with ourselves, I think we know better.  Americans easily fall into the top 1-2% ion the world wealth scale.

Without putting up our guard, Christian people are influenced by money just as much as everyone else.  So we must ask ourselves again, what are we willing to do for $10,000,000?  Would any sins make the list?  If so, I hope we will take a closer look at our hearts.

Jesus said, “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Matthew 16:26).

It may not be $10,000,000, but it may be a questionable job promotion.  It may be a compromising decision to make a little extra cash. Let’s not flirt with the “all sorts of evil” line that comes with the pursuit of wealth. In perspective, it’s silly to jeopardize our priceless souls for any amount of money. After it’s all said and done, it will always pale in comparison to the eternal reward.