Tiger Woods: Does Money Corrupt?

"Again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for one who is rich to enter the kingdom of God." Matthew 19:24

My HH got into an interesting discussion last night in regards to the recent scandal surrounding Tiger Woods. Unfortunately Tiger has joined the many other famous, wealthy individuals whose image conflicts with reality, and his lack of moral values has corrupted him, his wife, and children.

As my HH and I discuss the news worthy topics of the day while making dinner, I made the comment, "Well, goes to show, money corrupts."

My hubbie disagreed. And to a certain point, I understand why. I am sure there are just as many loyal, moral, extremely wealthy individuals out there, as I am sure there are just as many scandalous Tiger Woods out there, just with out the fortune. I guess I can see how extreme wealth CAN corrupt more easily than with out it. How easy was it for Tiger to have access to multiple women? How many assistants does he have that would clammer to please him. How many women would forgive and forget his marital status because of the billions he could influence them with?

I guess I shouldn't say, "Money corrupts....." I should say, "It's easy to allow money to corrupt."

Now I am unsure of Tiger's past, his childhood, his family life, his parents etc, but I do believe the foundation of character building and moral virtue begins at home, and at a young age. Who knows which of our children might live the extreme wealth as a Tiger Woods? Who knows which of our children might have multiple homes, endorsement deals, private jets, fancy cars, assistants etc....I certainly don't know God's plan for my children.

All I can do, as a mother, as a Stay At Home Mom at Work - is to give the best foundation I can while I can. Once the children are grown, they must be able to make right choices, complete with the moral fiber of their upbringing. There must be a spiritual foundation on which to build, on which the children can rely on when temptation is at it's worst.

And believe me, no matter the income level of our adult children, temptation will be there, in many different forms. But it all stems from similar places: fear, distrust, insecurity, loneliness and the list goes on. How the devil must be delighting in all of Tiger's scandal. Not only has this man allowed himself to be corrupt, but now it's public, for all to mock at, or immortalize, thus bringing more souls under his wing.

I do think it possible, as does my HH, that one can have extreme wealth AND have the moral foundation to resist corruption, but I think it's very difficult. When you can buy anything, and everything your heart desires, and those around you cater to your every whim, the obligation to remain accountable to oneself can be a tremendous cross. As Christ states, "It's easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle."

As much as we all might lament, how expenses rise each year without the income to rise with it, there is a temptation to resort to envy those with extreme wealth. Today, I can see, even those billionaire Tiger Woods of the world, are sought after to succumb to temptation. The devil knew his weakness. He may be the best golfer in the world. He wasn't immune against the evil one, and the devil wants us all.

And so to my HH, honey, you are right, money doesn't corrupt. It just seems to make our own weaknesses and temptations more complicated and harder to resist.

Praying for Tiger's family today, Lord have mercy.

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