Erning, the eldest of nine siblings, was born to parents who owned vast farmlands in the province. After his parents had gone to glory, he found himself in charge of their estate which they had divided equally among their children.
It was a problem because all his siblings had migrated to various parts of the world. So they begged him to please take care of logistics—paying taxes, solving tenant problems, and overseeing the planting and reaping seasons. Naturally, Erning had to account for the profits and expenses.
In the process, he was accused of being dishonest—pocketing profits and not remitting all that was due them.
Long distance communication created problems. Details were missed out and all this erupted into a huge family feud. The once closely-knit family had broken into factions.
“For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.” (1 Timothy 6:10 NLT)
After one church service, where Erning was a lay pastor, he invited the elders to his house and let his heart out. (I have taken the liberty to narrate his words briefly.)
“You all know how my parents worked hard to buy properties so that that they could leave them all to us, their children. I wish they had not left us anything. Money has brought nothing but trouble. What’s worse, I no longer have a family—most of my siblings have turned against me. And I have no way of explaining to those who still haven’t.”
The elders laid their hands on Erning and prayed for him.
Inheritance woes (or a feud) in families have existed since Biblical times. Only those who live by grace, not by greed for material wealth, can escape this age-old disease.
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