Rich Man/Poor Man

Recently I was invited to a magnificent home sitting on country acreage surrounded by luscious grounds. Whimsically decorated with full size statues of various animals, I'd never seen anything quite like it. Once inside I was greeted with soaring ceilings, marble floors and a kitchen that a chef's dream scape  Using extreme restraint, I managed to keep from staring with my mouth wide open.

Who are these people, I wondered? I was about to find out. The man who built this house is considered a genius, he holds doctorates in several different fields, and is currently working on another degree. He made a fortune in the computer field, inventing a  program  sold around the world. He and his wife have raised a family and have traveled the globe.

Although the worldly success is obvious in this place of luxury, the house is eerily hollow...like the man. With all his worldly successes hanging on the wall, and all the booming applause ringing throughout the rooms, this man is spiritually a pauper. I wanted to weep for the folly of it all. Instead I prayed, "Lord, have mercy. Open his eyes to the truth of who you are and who you want to be in his life."

I've often been envious of other's material things, but standing in that house made me more grateful than I've ever felt in my life. Grateful that thirty some years ago, I surrendered my heart and soul to the one Person who loves me most. Regardless of what I possess, or how much money I earn, I am loved unconditionally even when I'm unlovable and disobedient. This my friends, is a priceless gift from God.

Here's what the Bible says in Ecclesiastes: 1:2b, about what the world has to offer. "Vanity of vanities, all is vanity." After my visit to the mansion on the green, I totally understand this scripture. All we have here will someday burn, but God's love continues into eternity. I just love how rich I am!