Money Through the Post

A close relative recently celebrated her birthday. I duly sent a card using first class post in the flickering hope that Royal Mail might deliver it on time. And it was more than just a card, for inside it I had placed some cash. Rather than send a gift of clothing, or some kitchen utensil or improving book, posting money allows the recipient to purchase something she actually wants or needs. My 10-bob note was gratefully received.

Readers of a younger age may ask “Who is Bob?” and “Why are there ten of him?”. It should really be called a 10-shilling note, which I advised my relative not to spend all at once, like some frenetic Pools winner. I briefly considered including a second 10 shillings making the birthday gift up to a whole pound, but feared this may be seen as an extravagance, and one that would only have to be matched in subsequent years.  

In 1910, a crown coin, which was worth twenty shillings, had the modern purchasing power of about £80. My ten shillings might have been worth £40, therefore. However, this note was issued between 1961-1969 so is likely to have purchased significantly less. From February, 1971, the shilling ceased to be British currency, though existing coins were converted to New Pence for as long as they circulated. My relative's ten shillings has therefore declined considerably to the point of worthlessness.

Before judging my parsimony and even wondering how I was able to get hold of it in the first place, apply the same principle of inflation to everything you currently possess. Your money is slowly being eaten up as its value declines and your car lost a grand from its worth the moment you first put the key in the engine. And though your house may have climbed in value, the days are coming when it shall be of no use to you, for even your body shall be taken away. All earthly goods, chattels, treasures and investments shall be rendered worthless in the great Day of the Lord when even the sky is rolled up like a scroll and thrown away:

And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains, and said to the mountains and rocks, “Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb: for the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?”

What will you give in exchange for your soul? Jesus Christ gave His life for it, so come to Him today, repenting and believing. 

A D