Cherished items
GOLD AND SILVER…has been making the news and is the subject of so many conversations since the Rio Olympics began. Both are cherished items, for athletes as well as most of mankind in some way or another. Men have dedicated their lives to prospecting for them, wars have been fought to secure them, people store them up, even hoard these precious and valuable items. They are a commodity and you can buy gold certificates, even trade the metals in the open market. During my youth I can remember our money was identified as silver certificates. I actually found some in my mother’s lockbox. Today, our money is Federal Reserve Notes. “Borrowed money?”
There are many expressions. “Go for the gold!” “His word is good as gold.” “There is a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.” “Is there really any gold in Fort Knox?” Well, is there? Some say China is secretly stockpiling heavy amounts for future financial dominance. My wife and I have a few personal gold items, mainly wedding rings. Anything that is scarce and has so many defined uses, it becomes valuable. For this reason thieves are always breaking into houses to steal many of these items. Happened to us once.
A beggar
As I was watching the Olympics, I thought about a story in Acts 3. Peter and John were headed to the synagogue when they met a lame beggar on the street. He cried out for some money. We still have these today. They are on many key traffic corners. This man was no different. He had stationed himself at the gate of the temple that is called Beautiful to ask for alms from those who were entering the temple. He might’ve been lame and poor, but he was no fool when it came to choosing a good retail site.
Having recently encountered the life-changing presence of the Holy Spirit in their lives, Peter’s and John’s thoughts were more on spiritual things than earthly items. As Peter gazed at the man, the first thing that evidently came to his mind was this man needed to be healed in the name of Jesus, not some more money. That would bring glory to God and display his power and love.
Needs vs. wants
So, Peter, with his new authority, says: “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk” (Acts 3:6 NKJV). It tells us that Peter took him by the right hand and lifted him up, and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. So the previously lame man leaped up, stood and walked into the temple with them—walking, leaping and praising God. What was the result of this act of faith by Peter and John? “The people were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to this man.”
Dads, are you treating your children like lame beggars by giving them everything they ask for without any consideration for their spiritual well-being? The Millennials are described as a generation that believes they are entitled. This has mainly come about because many parents, through guilt, pride or ignorance have attempted to buy off their children; when, in fact, they needed you, your guidance and direction more than your money. Am I wrong?
Dads, you are the spiritual leader in your home, the high priest, the patriarch; not just the manufacturer of silver and gold. Invest in what really counts, THEM! I know this smacks in the face of today’s men. Provider and protector while leaving all the other vital elements of an abiding father to others. It is a recipe for failure. Do what Peter and John did. Gaze into your kid’s life, prayerfully determine his or her needs and reach into their lives. The lame man needed the faith of someone more wise and discerning and in the name of Jesus, they supplied it. Would you think this applies to your children? Are you that man? Yes you are! Not all the gold in Ft. Knox or an Olympic medal can come close to the joy that will be yours, and theirs.
