Have we changed?

Scriptures: “Just then Saul was returning from the fields, behind his oxen…” (I Samuel 11:5)

I have heard many horrible stories about those who, after winning lottery, have lost their family, friends, and businesses. It almost seems like becoming a millionaire was not a blessing to them at all. Someone used to say, “Many people live through their lives without millions of dollars and they live happily. But, once they have the money, they become miserable.” I wonder why?

Saul, when first anointed by Samuel, was a humble and down-to-earth guy. He did not have a palace, nor guards, greed for power, and definitely no arrogance and hatred. But, after years gone by, after he had his palace, army and wealth, after he had a taste of power and dominance, he was no longer humble and definitely not a happy guy.

It’s almost sarcastic to think that the very things we pursue so hard because we believe they will bring us happiness actually deprive us of happiness. When we were first born, we had nothing. We came with nothing and we owned nothing. Yet, those times were probably the happiest time of our lives. As we grow older, we started to acquire possessions, like fame, popularity, and wealth. We thought we knew better. But happiness was slipping away from us.

I think this is because these very means we resort to have become our goals in lives when, in essence, they were not meant to be. These possessions, be it fame, popularity, knowledge or wealth, were merely gifts from God and their presence was meant to be a reminder of the goodness and riches of God who gave us all.

Moreover, as gifts from God, they came with divine purposes. I believe, when we have fame, that’s because people recognize us for the good personal traits and talents they see in us. They would want to come to us because these personal traits and talents, be it generosity or understanding or special skills, can help them in their lives. They can meet certain needs in their lives.

God gave each of us different gifts so we can supplement each other and, as a whole, we become complete in Christ. As such, it also created the inter-dependency among people. No one can really live a life without others. Sometimes I wonder if that’s why each of us is born into a family, whether we like it or not. We don’t even get to choose the members of this family we were born into. And the interesting thing is, the very first thing we learn in life is to depend on others. It might not have been our choice. But it was the first thing we learn in life.

James told us that, “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” (James 1:17) James didn’t say some good gifts were from our heavenly Father. He said “every” gift is from above. No exception! Every one of them was from our Father in heaven and, more than that, they are good and perfect.

Not only were they good and perfect in nature, they were meant for good and perfect will of our heavenly Father. We didn’t receive them just for our personal enjoyment. We also received them for other’s blessings. Most important of all, we received them for the glory of God.

Life without God is utter darkness and hopelessness. Life outside of God’s plan is difficult, if not impossible, and fruitless. With so much entrusted to us, what are we doing with them? God is into the business of changing lives. How about us? Have we taken an inventory of the gifts and talents He has given us? Why did He give us these wonderful gifts? Have we come before Him for His guidance and wisdom in giving these gifts for His sake?

I am convinced that, when we spend time before Him and meditate on these questions, our lives will be changed also!


Prayer Requests:
For those who find themselves constantly want more

Prayer:
Our Heavenly Father, You are the source of all good and perfect gifts. As we go through this wonderful life You have given us, help us to recognize all the wonderful gifts from you and to be sensitive to Your guidance so that these gifts can be useful for Your glory. Help us to be Your vessels of grace to help others to live a life in Your riches. In the sweet and precious name of our Lord Jesus we pray, Amen!