The children of a deceased New York art dealer have found themselves in a peculiar position. You see, when their mother died they inherited a collection of art work worth a substantial amount; one billion dollars to be exact. And included in this collection was one piece which alone is worth $65 million. Seemingly the only downside to this whole exchange is that the tax bill on this piece is $29 million. However, as it appears they would still stand to make a tremendous profit. The only problem is that by law they cannot sell it.
The piece is a sculpture believed to be a masterwork of 20thcentury art but includes a stuffed bald eagle. According to federal law it is a crime to “possess, transport, sell or otherwise convey a bald eagle, whether it is alive, or as in this case, stuffed.” Because this bird was killed and stuffed before this law was enacted the family has received a special waiver from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife service to keep the piece but it cannot be otherwise possessed. Thus the family is stuck with it, and for the time being the tax bill that accompanies it making the piece far more trouble than it is worth.
As I read this article I was struck by the immediate application to sin as it pertains to value in our lives. Sin seems to offer so much: pleasure (Hebrews 11:25), glory, and power (Genesis 3:5). However, Paul warned the Romans that “the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:23). Yes, sin can offer every carnal satisfaction the world possesses but it will ultimately cost us our soul. Given such a reality Jesus’ question to His disciples is as pertinent as ever – “For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Matthew 16:26). Sin appears to be such a great prize, but, oh, what a cost! At the end of the day it only proves to be more trouble than it’s worth.
-Andy Brewer