The kid, the single dad, and the prostitute.

It's right out of 'It's A Wonderful Life'. Remember when George Bailey and Clarence the Angel were visiting Pottersville? George got his wish to have never been born and was presented with the evidence that his seemingly insignificant role in Bedford Falls reached out and touched so many people in a positive way. Absent, all of that was gone.

Our pastor addressed the congregation Sunday with the stunning news that Jim and Shirley had left their entire estate to Eastbrook. Just like that, our debt was erased. I heard it during worship at 1st service and since I was ushering, I got to hear it at the 2nd and 3rd as well. The reaction was the same every time---a ripple washed through the crowd before we stood and applauded.

My thoughts ran to the neighborhood kid who found a great education at the academy, went on to college, and broke the cycle of poverty that trapped his family. The single dad who, broken and defeated, wandered into church that one Sunday crossed my mind---his foundation rebuilt, relationships repaired, children fortified. The former drug addicted prostitute who reclaimed her life through the help of her new support group and rock-solid faith appeared to me.

The neighborhood kid, single dad, and former prostitute are imaginary people. They are the potential downstream receivers of the gifts given via the generosity of a couple who now understand the unimportance of money and instead are receiving treasure in heaven.

Everyone thinks it takes money to do great things. It doesn't. Jesus said, "I desire mercy, not sacrifice." You will meet people in heaven you influenced in both great and simple ways that didn't cost a dime. You play the Powerball so you can win big money and "really do some good". That's a load. Save your money--jam the dollars back in your wallet and put it in the Salvation Army kettle when you have the chance.

Here's my point. I think many of us in the congregation thought, "Wow, I would love to give millions to a church but I don't have that kind of money." You don't' need that kind of money. Jim and Shirley were known for their hearts and gifting LONG before they became known as the couple who paid off our debt.

You can't do your way into heaven. You can't give your way to eternity. What we need to do is give God the opposite of a wonderful gift---we have to give Him the absolute JUNK of our life because He is the only one who can fix it. No credit card needed.

The price was paid on the cross.