There has been much discussion this week after the BBC published the salaries of their big stars. Opinions vary and questions have been raised as the public consider how their TV licence money is spent. Is it right that the big stars of the BBC should be paid so highly? Should they have to take a pay cut? Is it fair that doctors, nurses, paramedics, teachers, police, soldiers, fire service workers are paid a fraction of those salaries? What will the BBC do to close the gender gap for the big pay? etc. etc. However the reality is that most people would neither complain about nor refuse the offer of such big salaries.
I am not a regular listener to Stephen Nolan's radio show but last night I actually took time to look up and listen to Jim Allister interview Stephen Nolan in relation to his big salary. To be honest I did not learn much from it, other than to come away thinking the BBC did not allow Stephen Nolan to answer many questions regarding a breakdown of all the income he gets from them. Also, I may be wrong but he did not present to me as being really contented with his life. And so, this all got me thinking: how that, apart from the fact that I wouldn't be able to do their jobs, I would not change places with any of them for all the money in the world! The Bible verses about laying up treasures in heaven came to my mind.
I am not a regular listener to Stephen Nolan's radio show but last night I actually took time to look up and listen to Jim Allister interview Stephen Nolan in relation to his big salary. To be honest I did not learn much from it, other than to come away thinking the BBC did not allow Stephen Nolan to answer many questions regarding a breakdown of all the income he gets from them. Also, I may be wrong but he did not present to me as being really contented with his life. And so, this all got me thinking: how that, apart from the fact that I wouldn't be able to do their jobs, I would not change places with any of them for all the money in the world! The Bible verses about laying up treasures in heaven came to my mind.
"Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." (Matthew 6v19-21)
How can I lay up treasures in heaven? I simply invest time and effort for the extension of God's kingdom on earth and ultimately glorifying God, not self. I seek to live with eternity's value in view. There is deep peace and real contentment in doing so. I do want to hear the Lord say to me one day, "Well done, good and faithful servant."
Another Bible passage that came to mind is 1Corinthians 3v11-15. I want my work to endure the fire of God's judgement like the gold, silver and precious stones, rather than be destroyed like wood, hay and stubble. God has called me to be His child and to live for Him. I will receive my reward one day. How so, so much better that will be than anything I can imagine. Why would I want to stoop to being a BBC employee with a big fat salary? God loves me and He is worth living for!