John and Roberta were touring their brand new house. It was a house that
Roberta had paid for with her money, a fact of which she constantly reminded
John. In each room of the house she said to her husband: “John, if it were
not for my money, we would not be here.” John didn’t say a word.

That afternoon a truck delivered a load of new furniture… furniture which
Roberta paid for with her money. After the furniture was in its place, they
toured the house again. As they observed each room, beautifully appointed and
magnificently decorated, Roberta reminded her husband: “John, if it were
not for my money, this furniture would not be here.” Again, John was
silent.

Late in the afternoon another truck came with a special piece of furniture
which was to be the focal point of the family room. It was a combination
stereo-television-computer center all wrapped into one gorgeous piece of
furniture. Roberta paid for it with her money. When it was in place, Roberta
again said: “John, if it were not for my money, that beautiful electronics
system would not be here.”

Finally, John spoke: “Honey, I don’t want to make you feel bad, but if it
were not for your money, I wouldn’t be here either!”

______________________
Illustration by: Gary
C. Redding, First Baptist Church, Augusta, SC