We all know the trouble that money can cause. The Bible obviously tells us to be cautious of money. But oh, how easy it is to forget. Tonight I went to a meeting about the pharmaceutical industry. The focus of this meeting had nothing to do with money; it actually consisted of 4 IU bio alumi who currently work for companies such as Cook, Baxter, and Eli Lilly, all discussing how they came to work in pharmaceuticals. It was very informational and I am assured that the kind of job I would like to have after school actually exists!
One of the speakers talked about different aspects of pharmaceutical business including ethics. During part of his presentation he gave us a couple of situations that were conflicts of interest. He then proceeded to tell us about some of the regulation that is required in industry to ensure that these problems are dealt with ethically. One situation he gave us was that of a doctor. This hypothetical doctor is paid through a "fee for service" process. In this case, he gets paid per patient per procedure instead of a salary. Now, the job of a doctor is to take care and try to improve a patient's health. It is fair to say that a doctor's job relies on sickness and disease. When you add in the "fee for service" aspect, there is potential for problems. Where do the doctor's priorities lie now? Does he put the patient first and give them the best health care possible at any given time? Or does the love of making more money take over? Conflict of interest. One would hope that a doctor's priority would lie with the patient. My optimistic side assumes that this is the case with most doctors--that they truly care for their patient's well-being. However, I have no doubt that making money is the draw for some doctors.
Health care brings up some very real issues regarding the evils of money--the one mentioned above being one of them. Another interesting aspect is that of pharmaceutical drugs (also brought up by this speaker.) There is sickness and disease in the world. Scientists and doctors have found ways to treat and cure many problems. Treatment (surgeries, medicine, etc.) cost money. Companies that produce these products have costs to deal with and also have to make a profit in order to stay in business. Where do you draw the line here? Our dream is to help those that are ailing. Reality is that everything costs something. How do we maintain the right priorities (people before money) while still being realistic? I don't have an answer. Something to think about.
In life in general, I think the main way to do this is to keep our eyes on the real prize.
No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money. --Matthew 6:24
If we are relying fully on God, then money becomes less important. We aren't attached to material things here on earth. After all, you can't take it with you.
Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. --Matthew 6:19-21
I think complete trust in God to fulfill our needs is the only way to truly dissolve the hold that money has on us.
So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' 32For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. --Matthew 6: 31-33
Take home point(s): Don't rely on money. Do not make it a top priority. Make heavenly things your treasure. Trust God to supply your needs.
Easier said than done, right?
No comments:
Post a Comment