When to put all your egges in one basket
"Don't put all your eggs in one basket." We've all heard this advice. For the most part it's true. Whether you're investing your money or running a company, diversification is often an effective strategy.
But not always. Read Matthew 13:45-46. He compares the kingdom of heaven to the merchant finding a pearl of great price. The merchant sells all in order to get that pearl.
Was the merchant imprudent? It seems Our Lord is saying no. From time to time, we find something we know to be so valuable. Diversification is not an absolutely always the right strategy. It works most, not all the time.
In our work, Catholics can't let the pearl of great price take second place to anything ever. Work can never be an impediment to the salvation of our souls - our primary task on this earth.
An obvious case would be where we work for an enterprise that pursues immoral ends. A company that manufactures abortifacients might be an example of this. I was out of work applying for jobs and had the chance to apply for work at a company that did this. (I was unaware of it at the time.) Fortunately my wife pointed out the problem, though I must say I struggled with it for a while, being out of work and needing the job.
Or maybe your company sells decent products, but uses unethical methods to sell them. For example, they lie about the product, and you know it. But they expect you to lie too. What do you do? You remember the pearl of great price. You sell all and buy the pearl.
Moral challenges come up from time to time. You can't ignore them. In tough times like these, it's even harder to face these sorts of issues and make hard decisions like this. Suppose the only answer is that you have to quit. You need the job. How can you quit?
There are no easy answers. But the answer is out there for you. Much prayer and sacrifice, calling on God, Our Father, for guidance as to the right thing to do. In the end, the ball's in your court. Just remember the pearl of great price.
One thing we can all agree on, I hope, is our single-minded desire for heaven. It overrides everything
But not always. Read Matthew 13:45-46. He compares the kingdom of heaven to the merchant finding a pearl of great price. The merchant sells all in order to get that pearl.
Was the merchant imprudent? It seems Our Lord is saying no. From time to time, we find something we know to be so valuable. Diversification is not an absolutely always the right strategy. It works most, not all the time.
In our work, Catholics can't let the pearl of great price take second place to anything ever. Work can never be an impediment to the salvation of our souls - our primary task on this earth.
An obvious case would be where we work for an enterprise that pursues immoral ends. A company that manufactures abortifacients might be an example of this. I was out of work applying for jobs and had the chance to apply for work at a company that did this. (I was unaware of it at the time.) Fortunately my wife pointed out the problem, though I must say I struggled with it for a while, being out of work and needing the job.
Or maybe your company sells decent products, but uses unethical methods to sell them. For example, they lie about the product, and you know it. But they expect you to lie too. What do you do? You remember the pearl of great price. You sell all and buy the pearl.
Moral challenges come up from time to time. You can't ignore them. In tough times like these, it's even harder to face these sorts of issues and make hard decisions like this. Suppose the only answer is that you have to quit. You need the job. How can you quit?
There are no easy answers. But the answer is out there for you. Much prayer and sacrifice, calling on God, Our Father, for guidance as to the right thing to do. In the end, the ball's in your court. Just remember the pearl of great price.
One thing we can all agree on, I hope, is our single-minded desire for heaven. It overrides everything
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