A Lesson from a Rich Young Guy

Once, a rich young man came to Jesus and asked, “Oh good teacher, what do I have to do to inherit eternal life?” In response to his question, the Rabbi said, “You know the commandments, do not commit adultery, do not kill, do not steal, and do not bear false witness, honor your father and mother.” He added, “All these I have kept from my youth.”

This man had good works, but he lacked something else.

“Now, when the teacher heard these things, he said unto him, ‘Okay.’ You still lack one thing. Sell all you have, distribute it to the poor, you shall have treasure in heaven. Come and follow me.”

When the man heard this, he was sorrowful and left. He wouldn’t give up his possessions. He had obedience, but he lacked gratitude. The man was not thankful for his possessions. He thought he was the Source. He was stingy and selfish. He didn’t realize blessings are given to us, so we can bless others. The man should have known he was not blessed to hoard and keep stuff. We are given to, so we can give to others. The opposite of gratitude is unbelief. When you are not thankful, then you are probably not trusting God to come through for you either.

The man had a choice and so do we.

Will we choose gratitude or ingratitude? There is no middle ground. Either we are grateful and content or not. When you show your gratitude by sharing with others, you are saying to God and all those around you that you have enough. God hears that you are content as you offer your time, efforts, attention, or money. That giving is a way of saying God has blessed you. When you are kind to someone, you are showing gratitude.  Remember the rich young man and the impact and importance of gratitude.