Crazy Money! $1000 Library Fine

It’s Crazy Money Day!

Carol Patterson McIntyre checked out a book in 1969 because it was required reading at her high school. When it came time to return the copy of Beowulf, she couldn’t find it. Back then, fines were 5 cents a day. Beowulf was returned 54 years later after McIntyre found it while going through her old books. The fines would have amounted to almost $1,000 – not adjusted for inflation! Now that’s crazy! All for a book purchased in the 1920’s for 98 cents. McIntire paid for the lost book many years ago but chose to return it to the library, and no fine was charged. She made things right, which resulted in a clean conscience.

Are there things you need to make right in your life? Have you misused money or stolen from your employer? Have you lashed out in anger at your spouse or employees for financial mistakes or dishonesty? Have you confused your wants and needs – or neglected to give to the work of the Lord? Get alone with God. Confess what you’ve done and repent of your ways. Ask Him to show you how to make things right. It may be humbling, but God promises to work all things together for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. Don’t allow your pride to separate you from God’s will. Go to those you’ve wronged, and apologize or seek forgiveness. God will give you the strength to do what’s right. And remember this: It’s never the wrong time to do the right thing…even if it’s simply returning a book.

Our budget coaching program can help you get on the road to faithful stewardship. Go to crown.org and click on the Get Help Now tab. Or, if you’ve got a heart of compassion and the desire to help others in this area, become a coach! We need your help to serve the growing demand. Go to crown.org to learn how to get started.