Samuel was a curious and bright child, always full of questions about the world around him. One sunny afternoon, as he sat on the porch with his father, he asked a question that had been on his mind for some time.
“Dad, how can I become rich?”
His father smiled and said. “Well, Samuel, that’s a great question. How do you think you can become rich?”
Samuel thought for a moment, his brow furrowing in concentration. “I think I need to save up money, Dad. If I save all my allowance and birthday money, I can become rich, right?”
Dad nodded thoughtfully. “Saving money is indeed a good start. Why don’t you try that and see how it goes?”
Excited by the challenge, Samuel diligently saved every penny he received. For an entire year, he resisted the temptation to spend his money on sweets or toys. Instead, he tucked it away in a small wooden box he kept under his bed.
Samuel even began starting to take on new jobs to save up. He worked the neighbor’s lawn, and even cleaned their houses – all the while striking up friendly conversion and telling them of his dream of becoming rich. Most of the neighbors were elderly retirees and they loved having Samuel around, especially with his earnest spirit. They sang praise of Samuel to his parents of what a hardworking and diligent young boy he was. In fact, he brought a little more joy into their otherwise mundane lives.
It was simple pay, but Samuel actually enjoyed the work. Day by day the coins slowly piled up and Samuel felt a swell of pride every time he added to his collection.
At the end of the year, Samuel eagerly counted his savings. He had accumulated a sizeable amount, but to his dismay, it still wasn’t enough to buy the shiny red bicycle he had been dreaming of. Feeling a bit discouraged, he went to his father.
“Dad, I saved all my money like you said, but I’m still not rich. It’s not even enough to buy the bicycle I want. What should I do now?”
Jacob gently placed a hand on Samuel’s shoulder. “You’ve done very well, Samuel. Saving money is important, but there’s more to becoming rich than just saving. You see, money can work for you if you know how to use it wisely. Have you ever heard of investing?”
Samuel shook his head, his curiosity piqued.
“Investing means putting your money into something that can grow and multiply over time. Just like a seed planted in good soil can grow into a strong tree bearing many fruits, your money can grow if you invest it wisely. This way, it can earn interest and work for you, even while you sleep.”
Jacob continued, “And Samuel, this lesson about money is much like our faith. God has given each of us gifts, talents, and faith. We shouldn’t just hoard these blessings for ourselves. Instead we should use them to bless others and multiply God’s love in the world. When we share our faith and our gifts, they grow and bear fruit, just like a good investment.”
Samuel listened intently, absorbing his father’s words. He realized that true richness wasn’t just about having money or things, but about how he used what he had been given. It was about letting his faith shine and multiply in the lives of others.
He remembered how old Gregory next door’s face would light up with a smile when he came around, and even the usually grouchy old lady Nancy started getting used to his visits and even gave him cookies the last time!
“All the people I’ve met really seem to like me. And I’m pretty happy working and taking care of them. Does that mean I’m already rich but didn’t know it?”
Jacob smiled at his son’s newfound understanding. “Remember, Samuel, our faith is like a bank. The more you invest in it, the more interest you have in it. The more you share God’s love, the more it grows within you and in the world around you.”
And in doing so, Samuel discovered a richness far greater than he had ever imagined.
“Remember our faith is like a bank – the more you invest in it, the more interest you have. The more you share God’s love, the more it grows within you and in the world around you.”
Dearest one as you read this story you may perhaps stop to ponder the same question: How do I get rich?
Samuel’s realization that true richness is not about the money he has saved but about the joy and love he has shared with others marks a profound transformation. He discovers that wealth is not merely a matter of financial abundance but encompasses the richness of spirit, relationships, and faith. This realization aligns with Jesus’ teaching in the Sermon on the Mount:
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:19-21)
Investing in our faith and sharing God’s love can profoundly impact the world around us. When Samuel shares his time and kindness with his neighbors, he not only enriches their lives but also strengthens his own faith. This mutual enrichment is a powerful testament to the transformative power of Christian love.
In our own lives, we can take inspiration from Samuel’s story by identifying ways to invest our time, talents, and resources in ways that bless others and glorify God. Whether it’s volunteering at a local charity, offering a listening ear to someone in need, or simply being a source of encouragement, our acts of love and kindness can create a ripple effect that extends far beyond our immediate circle.
