Phoenix, Arizona - I was saddened to hear that Scott M. Coles's death was ruled a suicide today by the Maricopa County Medical Examiner. Coles was the CEO of Mortgage LtD. here in Phoenix, Arizona.
I didn't know Scott, but being a former mortgage company owner this story caught my attention.
It seems that he had built quite an empire only to find it collapsing around him. Apparently there was serious strife in his marriage as well.
I certainly don't stand in judgment of this situation by any stretch of the imagination. Furthermore, I don't know any of the details to even have the remotest opinion.
I do feel compelled, however, to speak up in the hopes that perhaps even one business person might hear the words of Jesus Christ:
"Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal." (Matthew 6:18-20)
Again, please understand, I do not stand in judgment of Scott's unfortunate actions. Only he and God know what was happening in those final hours.
What I do know, however, is that many business people have their whole self worth wrapped up in their business. I know, I used to be one of those! And..when I sold my business, I gained 50 pounds. Why? I had placed my faith in my ability to run a business and that businesses ability to give me the lifestyle that I wanted.
It appears as though Mr. Coles was about to lose his idyllic lifestyle and that was just too much for him to bear. Tragically, the only option he saw was to end his life.
So here is my question to you Mr. and/or Mrs. business owner: If you lost all your wealth today, and your spouse was about to leave, what would you do?
Seriously....think about this...what ..would...you ...do?
Our human nature is to dismiss this question. But may I be so bold as to suggest that you spend some time thinking about it?
When you have the bottle of pills in your hand, planning to end your life, it is too late.
Placing our faith in ourselves and/or money is not God's design for our life. Frankly, it is sin. We all sin and fall short of the glory of God.
King David was a man after God's own heart, the Bible teaches us. Yet he committed adultery, killed the woman's husband and was also responsible for the death of the fatherless child! David was in the depths of despair.
Might I suggest that if you are in the depths of despair, or if you find your life in worship of your business and/or money, that you watch this video about David's response to his sin.
David made the right choice and found healing for his sin. Would you do the same today?
My prayers are with Scott Cole's family, friends and co-workers.