I received a letter in the mail the other day congratulating me for being invited to become a member of the League. I thought, “what is the League?” The Latin word for ‘league’ means imperial, powerful, lordly and magisterial. The unknown member of the League who sent me the letter stated that he took an oath to do certain things and one of which was to recruit a new member, one who is worthy of this great honor. He said I wish I could tell you who I am but I was advised not to. He informed me that I should feel very lucky. He said, while the League takes great strides to ensure anonymity. That I should feel pretty special to have been selected to be inducted. He said that the while the League is covert, the members are made up of the rich and famous, the best and the brightest. While many grew up in humble circumstances, they rose to almost unimaginable prosperity. He stated that; All of our wants and needs; wealth, power, romantic love, and happiness have been realized. There is nothing like being a member of the League.
He then read my mind by saying; “I know what you are thinking… ”So why is he writing to me”? He could not tell me who he was but because of his social and financial status, that I probably hear his name in the news on TV, or newspapers every day. He went on to say that every wealthy and powerful person became that way because of some powerful secrets, secrets that would be shared with me if I should choose to become a member of their League.
I have to admit that I was impressed with the invitation to be a League member. I really did wonder, Why me? I am an old man in his eighties, never really had any interest in wealth per se. Never been famous for my riches and powerful positions. The invitation was five pages long and I never got past the first two, but I have a feeling if I had read on, that somewhere back in the those last three pages I would have come to the punch line. The punch line would have read something like this; For a measly $1,000 you can become a member of this elite organization and only $100 a month thereafter. For that insignificant fee you will receive the secrets to obtain unimaginable wealth.
They probably obtained my name from the roster of those having received a PhD from the University of Utah or from having served at Weber State University as a Dean. They probably would not have invited me had they known how proud I am of my humble circumstances.
May I explain, that in rejecting their invitation, that I am probably far wealthier than most of them, not in terms of the way they measure wealth but in terms of the very long-lasting method. My wealth consists of a loving family and wonderful friends and a lifetime associations with good and wise people. People who have given their lives in the service of others. I believe my treasure lies in a place where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt and where thieves cannot break through nor steal. I have chosen to spend my retirement life in searching out my ancestors and assisting others in doing the same. Admittedly there is very little of the material wealth League members value in my scenario. Their love is for that of their wants and needs; wealth, power, romantic love, and happiness. Who is content and has all he wants is richer than those who still seek more. “And having food and raiment let us therewith be content.” (Tim. 6:6,8) Being content has even greater value than having all you need or want. Being content is being happy with what you have and who you are. It’s a position in life when the stress of seeking and wanting has turned to a time of peace. This old man is content and has no interest in becoming a member of the “League.”