Source Giphy

I've been tagged in a Steemit Challenge.

@simms50 tagged me in a challenge where I answer the question:

"If I won a million dollars right now, and only had 24 hours to spend it, what would I spend it on?? There is a catch though...it cannot be Steem related!"

Oh boy. Where to begin.

I read about a man who won a million dollars. Well, sort of. He was indebted a million dollars. How a man can get that far in debt, well I suppose I can sympathize, debt creeps up on your so quickly. Anyway, the million dollar debt was forgiven - the equivalent of winning one million dollars.

But there was a catch. The lender wanted to see what this borrower would do now that he was debt-free.

The man who was forgiven his debt, had others who owed him. He didn't want to be at zero. Who want's to be a zero? He figured he would rebuild his life quickly by demanding money that he was was owed. When he said he didn't have the money, he began pestering him and abusing him. Think Sopranos. Think baseball bat. Think... ouch.

Source Giphy

But before you think badly of this man, remember this guy just wanted to rebuild his life, now that his previous debt was forgiven. This is his chance to redeem himself.

Things didn't go so well for this man.

See, the man whom he had previously owed the $1M heard about this pestering and abusing. He was disgusted. He was angry. His good name was dirtied, since everyone was so impressed that he forgave such a huge debt - but now the man who was forgiven refused to forgive his debtor!

The man who forgave the million dollar debt is the one who redeemed the debtor. Not really financially, but he redeemed his name. He brought his name back from one who owed an enormous debt, to one who is free and clear. But the man did not truly accept that gift - since he was completely unwilling to extend that gift to others. Freely given, freely given away, right?

Well the debt was placed right on him again. This man now owed the man one million dollars again and there was no longer any mercy. He was put in debtor's prison and didn't leave until every penny was paid.

Source Giphy

I wish it were a happier story, but it doesn't have to be that way for us. If we ever find ourselves forgiven a great debt, even more than a million dollars, let's imitate the kindness and favor of the debtor who forgives.

@ironshield

Benjamin Turner: God fearer. Rooted in Messiah. Husband of @lturner. Father of four wonderful children. The guy behind the camera. Steemit enthusiast.

Bless the Most High!