It probably goes without saying that this question, “In which areas are you most needy?” is not one to use while breaking the ice at a social event.  

Dale Carnegie did not recommend this approach.

But I did think about that question as I was digging into this week’s lesson. 

Ephesians, chapter 1, talks a lot about how great God is and how much he desires to bestow his “heavenly riches” upon us.   This is wonderful news, of course, but sometimes I feel like I’ve heard that news a lot and it just rolls off my back without really changing me.  The passage is familiar; the words can lose their grip.

At the risk of being Debbie Downer on a Sunday afternoon, I thought it would be nice to pause and think about the ways I am really poor, in order to help me treasure my treasure.  

Why do I need God’s riches? Today, in particular? 

I didn’t belabor it, but I came up with a short list of the ways I’m impoverished today:

1. I am impoverished today in the area of peace.  I’m worried about a few things.  When I lack peace, it’s great to be reminded of all those riches. I can worry, but guess what?  God, the Peacemaker, has bestowed His riches on me.
2. I’m  impoverished in relation to having God’s eyes for people.  I have struggled this week being gracious to those who don’t share my same worldview.  I need to be reminded that I have an abundant inheritance – I don’t need the rest of the world to think just like me (newsflash!) in order to be able to enjoy God.
3. I’m impoverished in the realm of accepting God’s will.  I wish everything worked out my way (true confessions).  I need to remember that God, the creator and sustainer of the world has a plan.  As part of my inheritance, He generously works out that plan for His glory.  I get to enjoy that plan.  And Him!

I’m glad to be able to celebrate the riches of God with you this week.  It’s so encouraging to journey together.

 This post accompanies Week 2 of the Ephesians study guide.