George Washington, the father of our country, died from blood letting. One of his doctors opened a vein in Washington’s leg in order to get rid of the “bad blood” they believed was making him sick. According to today’s medical standards that was absurd, but it was common practice at that time. People believed it was the right thing to do.

Today we may not believe in blood letting, but there are other supposed truths that are commonly believed. Our society tells us that the more you have, the better off you are; and when that message is everywhere, it’s hard not to believe it.

Jesus was telling the real truth when he said that our lives do not consist of the abundance of our possessions. Just as blood letting was harmful to Washington, the desire to acquire more and more riches can be our greatest enemy.