Then Whose Shall Those Things Be?

Then Whose Shall Those Things Be?

While addressing the people on the subject of possessions, Jesus posed a poignant question: After death "whose shall those things be" (Luke 12:20). The point should be pondered by every disciple in reference to all his earthly possessions.

In this article the author would direct the query to fellow gospel preachers in reference to their personal libraries.

Most men who preach for many years accumulate a sizeable number of good religious books to assist them in their studies. If this be your case, ask yourself, when you die, who will receive your books?

Some Sad Observations

The author found one great preacher's library for sale in a junk and salvage store. What a sad resting place for that noble collection of spiritual books.

Another notable preaching brother's books were found in a used book store. They were scattered abroad to customers at $1.00 per volume. Many of them were priceless treasures.

Some are left to be picked over and scattered by souvenir collectors --many of whom will never used them for their intended purpose. Such I am told was the fate of Alexander Campbell's library.

Some libraries set in a closed room and gather dust for decades as mice and moths feast on their valuable contents. Some will later be disposed of in estate sales to the highest bidder. Often such a buyer has no real use for these valuable tools. He may be a dealer looking for a bargain for resale.

Better Uses

Would it not be a better, more fruitful use of your books if they were placed if they were placed in the hands of those who would use them in the work of the kingdom of Christ? Seek out one or more young preachers and share them with them.

You might consider bequeathing them to the library of a school dedicated to the training of gospel preachers? There, housed in a comfortable environment, they would be properly cared for and used for generations by faithful brethren preparing their lives for gospel service. Think of the blessings they would bestow on the young minds that would eagerly feed upon them. Fifty or even a hundred years after you had read your last page they would still be accomplishing the task for which you bought them. What a satisfaction that would be. Such is good stewardship of the gifts God has placed in our hands (I Pet. 4:10).

If you have a will why not ask your attorney to prepare a codicil stating your desire to do this. If you have no will, of course seeing to that need should be a top priority. Select the school you feel could make best use of your collection and stipulate that in your testament. It is a decision you will not regret.

Sincerely,

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