IF I HAVE $1,000,000

How would it impact my life if I have 1 million dollars?

Yes, first, I would thank God for His provision. Perhaps I would like to slow down my pace. Perhaps I would love to serve as I like to serve. Perhaps I would free myself from the institutional structure of a church. Perhaps…

Perhaps, some of us here—who have worked very hard in our adult years—are already living such a life. Perhaps, among them, some were called to serve full-time when they were younger. But they told God, “Wait till I am older. Perhaps when I retire, I will commit all my time to You.” But when they grow older, and retired, they just want to live a carefree life. Serve as they like to serve. No pressure. No stress. Not much cost to pay. Just a bit of time here and there. Perhaps, they are satisfied with what they have right now. Perhaps…

But perhaps—not all is well.

Perhaps their lives have been dictated for decades by how much they earned. Perhaps, at the point of retirement, even with a million in the account, they find themselves unable to be truly free. The bondage of money runs deeper than they expected. The habit has been formed—relying more on their cash than on Jesus. Even when they want to give their time to Jesus, something holds them back. They feel tired. Weary. Not just in the body, but in the soul. They want to serve, but the strength is no longer there. They thought they could serve as they like, but now their health fails them. They worked too hard chasing that 1 million. And now, the boat has sailed. The one they were once invited to board. Perhaps it’s a boat of no return.

Perhaps they try not to think about what they missed. They want to focus on Jesus. But they just can't shake off the feeling of inadequacy. The noise in their head is louder than the whisper of His love.

So yes, Father, if I have 1 million dollars in my account, I ask—not for more—but for mercy.

Mercy to not let that money define my direction.

Mercy to not let comfort be my master.

Mercy to not let fear rob me of joy.

Help me, Father, to fix my eyes on Jesus.

Not on that 1 million.

Not on what I can afford.

Not on what I’ve missed.

Not even on what I might have gained.

But only on Jesus—the One who called me, the One who loved me, the One who still whispers, “Follow Me.”

So whether I have 10 dollars or 10 million—help me to live not dictated by digits, but driven by devotion. Help me to keep in step with You, to serve with joy, not just when I feel like it. Not just when it’s easy. But even when it costs.

And if I am blessed, may I not keep it to myself. Let me remember those who are hurting, those who have lost their homes, their families, their hope.

Even now, as the ground has shaken lives in Myanmar and Thailand, may we not look away. May we not say, “Perhaps someone else will help.” If I have something to give—whether a little or a lot—help me to give it. Not out of guilt. But out of grace. Not out of excess. But out of love.

Because one day, when all is said and done, when accounts are closed and breath is no more, it is not the number in my bank account that will matter. But whether my life pointed to Jesus.

Yes, Lord. Help me focus.

Help us all.

Being His missional disciple,

Pastor Forest