You’re richer than you think …

Waylon Prendergast committed a spur-of-the-moment robbery while on his way home from a late-night drinking session. A very inebriated Mr. Prendergast forced his way into a house through an open upstairs window, filling a suitcase with cash and valuables before setting the living room on fire to cover his tracks. He then escaped through the back door and made his way home, chuckling all the way. It was only after he turned the corner onto his own street, however, and discovered three fire engines outside his house, did he realize that in his drunkenness he had burgled and ignited his own property.

What did he have to say for himself?

“I had no idea I had so many valuable possessions!”

Most of us haven’t done anything quite as stupid as this, but many of us find ourselves at the same conclusion as that drawn by Mr. Prendergast — we had no idea we had so much!

But according to the Apostle Paul, as a Christian you’re probably richer than you think …

“All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ,” Ephesians 1:3.

Along with the incredible blessings of God, today, as Americans, we take time to reflect on the great blessing of living in the “land of the free, and home of the brave,” and all that offers to us.

You are, indeed, richer than what you might think!

Paul offers a much better way to respond to such lavish blessings than Prendergast’s example …

“So we praise God for the glorious grace he has poured out on us who belong to his dear Son. He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins. He has showered his kindness on us, along with all wisdom and understanding,” Ephesians 1:6-8.

Today, remember to thank God for all His blessings, especially that of true freedom. Have a happy and safe Fourth of July!

Scotty