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The Last Suit You Wear

Monday Miscellany; October 22,2007

Focus Text: 1 Timothy 6.6-10

“The Last Suit You Wear,” as performed by Larry Sparks was one of IBMA’s (International Bluegrass Music Association’s) 2007 nominees for “Song of the Year.” I don’t know all the lyrics, but it has two great lines and the title that are the focal points of today’s message. These lines are great because they are true, and because they express truths that are vital to all of humanity. Consider these truths as we administer Today’s Little Lift.

The song begins by speaking of a certain banker by the name of Moore whose lifetime focus had been on material things. He lived on a farm which he had obtained through foreclosure consistent with his motto that “money is what its all about.” However, the banker met an untimely death and concerning Mr. Moore’s motto, the vocalist croons, “Now I can safely say that he’s dead wrong.” The truth here that needs to be expressed is that some arguments can’t be proven through human experimentation. Solomon tried to uncover spiritual truths through his experiences but only discovered that all was vanity. Only when he turned his focus to the heavens did he discover the overarching and timeless truth that fearing God and keeping His commandments is the entirety of man’s existence (see Ecclesiastes 12.13-14).

Continuing with this story line, the song states, “When this handful of dirt [our body], goes back into the earth, what you’ll be worthy, only heaven knows.” The second great truth here is that our actual worth cannot be derived from any earthly source; it is not measured by the size of the farm we occupy, the figures that exist on the bottom of our financial balance sheet, or even the number of friends that attend the funeral; the cold, hard truth is, “Heaven only knows!” This truth is derived from understanding that earthy currencies and media of payment have absolutely no value in the world that exists after this life! The rich man who ignored his opportunities to help Lazarus here on this earth, could not so much as procure a single drop of water after he breathed his last breath! Regardless of the fortunes that he left behind, and they were undoubtedly massive, he had nothing with which to barter in the realms into which we all must pass.

The third and related truth is expressed by the extension of the song’s title; it is: “The last suit you wear, won’t need no pockets…” This truth has been expressed in a number of ways over the centuries, but no illustration draws the picture more vividly than this title. A popular song by Mark Chestnut says, “They don’t make a hearse with a luggage rack.” Years ago, it used to be blandly stated, “Funeral shrouds have no pockets.” However one says it, or whatever one believes on the subject, Paul’s words are still true; “For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.” (1 Timothy 6.7).

Contrary to the mythical Mr. Moore’s motto, it is not all about the money. Rather, the believer knows that “…godliness with contentment is great gain.” (1 Timothy 6.6). Or, as Jesus put it, “Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.” (Luke 12.15). Paul said, “…having food and clothing, with these we shall be content”? (1 Timothy 6.8). Truth be told, most of us have a ways to go to truly live Paul’s sentiments. “The last suit you [or I] wear, won’t need no pockets!”

Questions:

1. Was the rich man [in the Lazarus account] lost because he was rich? If not, what was his sin?

2. Why can’t we determine one’s true worth by earthly indicators?

3. What is the rate of exchange between the U. S. dollar and heaven’s official currency (a bit of a “trick” question, but worth a thought)?

4. What is the “gain” [rate of return] on godliness with contentment? Can you beat that rate in any known world market? How about an unknown world market? Can it be beaten at all?

"'Christ in You...'" from Dale Krebbs

Longing For God