12 11 08 Make Me An Offer

“My dear brothers and sisters, listen to me. Hasn't God chosen those who are poor in the world's eyes to be rich in faith? Hasn't he chosen them to receive the kingdom? Hasn't he promised it to those who love him?” (James 2:5 NIrV)

Ever want to be a millionaire? Today’s sports news is loaded with the figures of the newest free agent signings: $10 million a year for two years...$80 million for five years…$161 million over eight years…the numbers are ridiculous. Did anyone tell the owners and players that we’re in a recession? Obviously someone has to let them know. I guess they’ll find out when the stadiums are empty come spring.

Many of us normal folks are faced with real life decisions every day: how will we pay the mortgage; how will we afford school expenses; will our family vehicle last the winter without major repairs; what adjustments do we make in utilities, recreation, and food costs? We can’t negotiate our salaries for the next ten years. Some of us are worried about the next ten hours or even the next ten minutes! News like million dollar salaries doesn’t make us feel any better!

So what do we do? We trust God. It sounds simple, but why not? Even our money encourages us to do just that…“In God We Trust”. So why do any of us trust in money or some form of it? We say if we can just get this much, or if we can save this much, or when this much comes in… Better responses would be if the Lord allows, in God’s timing, or Thy will be done, not mine!

The Bible tells us we are rich in graces and have an inheritance in heaven! Is that not enough? I was speaking to a friend last evening at church and we discussed struggles on earth compared to treasures in heaven. Our agreed response was this: Heaven is something to look forward to…something better than this life!

The temporary struggles in life make the promise of eternity with a loving Father something to cherish. Without the struggles, where is the benefit of looking ahead? Where is the incentive to push toward that mark? What if someone said to you or me, “Make me an offer” as to how much money was enough? Would you ask for a million dollars for a year…two million for two years? What would it cost us? God has already made us all an offer. God’s promise is treasure, riches, and eternal peace with Him if we follow after Him. We have to weigh the costs and benefits when we make decisions in life. For me it’s simple. I’d rather be poor here and rich in Christ! How ‘bout you?