“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9).
My oldest son is such a blessing. Oh! He is a teenager and sometimes falls prey to those teenage issues, which, if let go, can become serious. However, he is such a blessing. There are several things that we do together and in which I find great joy, as does he. One of those things is fixing our vehicles when they break. Fortunately, that is not often. However, this weekend I have a few things to take care of for one of our older vehicles. They are small repairs, but the kind that take some time and a second pair of hands.
Last night I approached my oldest son about helping me out and he anxiously said, “Yes.” That, of course made me glad. However, then I told him I would pay him a little money, because I know he has been saving for a while for a piece of musical equipment that he wants. I figured we could both win in the deal. I get the help I need, he gets some money to add to savings, and we get to share our lives and know one another better.
He refused! As a matter of fact, he said, “It just doesn’t seem right that I should get paid for helping your fix a vehicle that I use just as well. Besides I love doing it and working with you.” You can just imagine how this made me feel. Among other things, I was proud of him and the maturity he showed.
More importantly, however, it indicated to me that he is finally grasping a simple concept that most people wrestle with their entire lives – appreciation. Our society is an entitlement society. Most feel as if “society” or someone called by some other name owes them something, or they have a right to whatever it is they want.
Have you ever noticed how the Bible claims the exact opposite? Let me ask you, “Upon what is your salvation built? Is it not built on grace?” Sure it is, but what is grace? Grace is, now listen to this, “unmerited” or “undeserved” favor. In other words, no one owes it to you. God is not indebted to you. Rather, He paid the debt you could not pay and did not deserve. The same thing is true of money, stuff and even the essentials of life. They are gifts of God, not merits.
In this day, when you feel sorry for yourself and are tempted to think someone owes you, or that you are entitled to this or that, remember the Savior who died for you and be content. Learn the value of appreciation, and show it to all. Your life will be truly blessed and much more enjoyable.
