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A Grateful Perspective

“When Jesus heard his answer, he said, ‘There is still one thing you haven’t done. Sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”¹

One day a father of a very wealthy family took his son on a trip to the country with the firm purpose of showing his son how poor people live. They spent a couple of days and nights on the farm of what would be considered a very poor family. Upon returning from their trip, the father asked his son, "How was the trip?"

"It was great, Dad."

"Did you see how poor people live?" the father asked.

"Oh yeah," said the son.

"So, tell me, what did you learn from the trip?" asked the father. The son answered: "I saw that we have one dog and they had four. We have a pool that reaches to the middle of our garden, and they have a creek that has no end. We have imported lanterns in our garden, and they have the stars at night. Our patio reaches to the front yard, and they have the whole horizon. We have a small piece of land to live on and they have fields that go beyond our sight. We have servants who serve us, but they serve others. We buy our food, but they grow theirs. We have walls around our property to protect us, they have friends to protect them."

The boy’s father was speechless. Then his son added, "Thanks, Dad, for showing me how poor we are."²

Isn’t perspective a wonderful thing? Can you imagine what would happen if we all gave thanks for everything we have, instead of worrying about what we don’t have? Our material possessions are nothing in comparison to the treasure we have in Heaven when we choose to faithfully follow and serve God. All the earthly possessions can never bring the joy, peace, and happiness that we find in Christ. May this perspective produce in us eternal gratitude to God for His Son, Jesus, and all the blessings (big or small) that He gives us daily.

Suggested prayer: Dear God, the constant temptation of wanting more is prevalent in today’s society. We fail to see the abundant blessings you have already given us, and instead compare our lives or think of all we don’t have. Help us see that true riches are not found in material possessions, but in the relationships, moments, and conversations that you give us. Thank you for the joy we can find in you, the greatest gift of all. Help me live with a perspective of gratitude and let it be contagious to those around me. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. In Jesus’ name, amen.

1. Luke 18:22 (NLT).

2. www.sermoncentral.com