How Much Are Your Loved Ones Worth To You?
Have you ever read any information concerning those who lost loved ones during that attack that has come to be known as “9-11?” If not, you may find the following information interesting that I found somewhere. I apologize that I do not remember the source. I would also add that, as you read the information, a key word in all of the figures you will be reading is average.
Responders and their families received an average of $4.2 million from all sources, compared with $3.1 million for other victims. Nearly all the difference is attributable to charitable donations and to payments from New York’s Public Safety Officers’ Benefits program.
It appears to be the case that there exists the possibility that, if I had lost a spouse, parent, etc. in the attacks that occurred on September 11, 2001, I would be financially “set for life.” If my loved one was not a responder, and, if I received the average amount of compensation, I would have received only $3.1 million. If I could then invest that amount in something that would provide for me a return of 5% a year, I could live (well) on $155,000 a year — just on the interest! I wouldn’t even be touching the $3.1 million!
As I read those figures, I thought of a couple of applications. First, if the prospect of a “huge buyout” for a loved one looks appealing, there needs to be a serious reevaluation of how “loved” the loved one really is! There needs to be a major reshuffling of priorities.
The other application I thought of had to do with how often we “sell out” our relationships for a lot less than $3-$4 million. Sometimes a job that allows me to make only a few thousand dollars a year will be much more important than time spent with those “…children [which are] a heritage from the Lord…” (Psalm 127:3). Similarly, husbands and wives, whose relationships are to be the closest and dearest earthly ties (cf. Gen. 1:23-24; Matt. 19:4-6; Eph. 5:22-33; 1 Peter 3:1-7, etc.), often “sell out” for temporary pleasure, a coveted corporate position, and/or a host of other enticements.
One of the more sobering statements made by Jesus in the form of a question was, “For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Matt. 16:26).
I wonder if we’ve really considered all of the implications of that statement/question. I also wonder if we need to consider something else. What amount of money would you accept in return for the hugs, kisses, conversations with, and hearts of your closest earthly relationships?
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AUTHOR: Jim Faughn
