Dr. Robert Horman Reardon, President Emeritus on University, is a man full of wisdom about many things and especially those issues that relate to eternity. To Carl Erskine, former AU baseball coach, member of the Board of Trustees,
National League pitching great and a very successful alumnus of the university, Reardon once said, “If you will put Anderson College in your will, you will live forever!” Let’s understand what he meant by that.
It certainly was not a promise of eternal life by simply giving great sums of money to any school, church or charitable organization. No man or woman could ever give enough to the Lord’s work to buy the “Pearl of great price.” It means giving your life to something that is much larger and far more important than you are.
Recently Kitty and I spent a day with our friends Jim and Carol Chapman. Jim has served the church and community as a successful missionary, pastor, educator and business leader. He is still deeply involved in all these areas in which God has called him to serve. He and I talked about God’s blessings and how to handle the resources committed to our care.
My material resources are not large. My mother told me years ago, “Your Dad said, if Bill and Kitty ever have anything it will be because Kitty takes care of it. Bill will give away everything he gets his hands on.” There is a hint of truth in that. I find great pleasure in being able to give to significant causes like colleges, churches and missions. Jesus had it right when He said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35).
The older we are the more serious and immediate attention we should give to our earthly possessions. The will becomes our power of choice. It is the proper documentation for disposing of wealth after death.
When you consider the writing of your own will you will do well to talk with several people who understand such matters. You may wish to discuss it with your pastor, a competent and trusted friend, an attorney who is well versed in such matters. Colleges have staff members who can assist you in the best ways to handle your assets.
You will, of course, think about the needs of your own family, your children and grandchildren. If you have ample resources other family members may be considered. You may also wish to include significant ministries of your church. National church offices can be very helpful.
Dr. Robert Reardon has shared his wisdom with thousands across the land. He said to Bill and Gloria Gaither: “With success comes resources and the responsibility to be good stewards of these resources. You can nickel and dime yourselves to death or give to something really significant and that will be here when you are gone.” These stories about Carl Erskine, Bill and Gloria and many other well-known people can be found in his biography.
If you want to read more of the wisdom of Dr. Robert H. Reardon, you will enjoy his exciting biography, “Staying on Course”, by the prolific author, Barry L. Callen. It can be ordered by calling Warner Press 877-346-3974 or email wporders@warnerpress.org.
Of all the great men I have known none is more deeply loved and appreciated for his wisdom, guidance, friendship, concern, integrity and godliness than Robert H. Reardon. We can all be thankful for people like him, those special messengers God sends to help us live better than we ever could on our own. Think about the people in your life who have made a significant difference and let them know how thankful you are for their contributions to your success.
Publisher's Note: Bill Ellis
Award Winning Syndicated Columnist
P. O. Box 345
Scott Depot, WV 25560
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