Scripture
"Then Gideon said, "But I do have one request. Give me, each of you, an earring that you took as plunder." Ishmaelites wore gold earrings, and the men all had their pockets full of them. They said, "Of course. They're yours!" (Judges 8:24-25)
Observation
Gideon's life has some glowing moments and some glaring moments. He had the courage to attack an army with 300 men, but when the war was over he found it hard to walk home with empty pockets.
There was a greed factor in Gideon's life. The war was over and he needed a retirement plan for the future. The little ear ring token plan netted him 43 pounds of gold. That would be enough for a decent nest egg. But there was little more to the gold ear rings. There was the glory factor. Gideon wanted the submission of the soldiers. Dropping a ring was a token of their respect of General Gideon. Sure enough he had shirked becoming king, but Gideon did want just a little memento that he could have been their leader. The money was tainted.
There was a greed factor in Gideon's life. The war was over and he needed a retirement plan for the future. The little ear ring token plan netted him 43 pounds of gold. That would be enough for a decent nest egg. But there was little more to the gold ear rings. There was the glory factor. Gideon wanted the submission of the soldiers. Dropping a ring was a token of their respect of General Gideon. Sure enough he had shirked becoming king, but Gideon did want just a little memento that he could have been their leader. The money was tainted.
Application
Like the survivors of the Titanic learned, it's better to drop the gold and grab the life jackets. Some things from one season of life will sink you in the next if you are not careful. It is safe to drop what you are leaving behind because God has more to give in the season to come. Gideon and the people would have been better off if he had left with empty pockets.
Prayer
Father, save me from greed even if it is only the size of an earring. Amen.
