How Rich is Rich?

Imagine a young, successful businessman - we'll call him Richard.

Richard comes from a wealthy family: his father was a stockbroker until he took early retirement to look after his horses and sail the Med and his mother works as a lecturer and researcher at the local university. He enjoyed a peaceful childhood, made friends easily, excelled at school and won a place in a prestigious college (with no help from his mother). College was a place to make new friends and find his niche. He met a beautiful woman, who soon became his wife, obtained a first in Economics and Management and secured a junior position at a respected financial consultancy upon graduation (with no help from his father).

Now, at 30, he has everything: a luxury apartment in London and a family estate in the home counties; two adorable kids; and all the toys and gadgets he'd ever dreamed of as a child. He's achieved all he set out to achieve and has had more success in life than he ever could have expected. And yet, as he lies in bed at night he can find no rest. His head swims and his heart feels empty but he doesn't know why. In desperation he cries out to whoever's listening, 'why? Just what do you want me to do?'

And to his astonishment the room fills with light and a man, of a similar age to his own, appear out of nowhere. 'Who?' he stammers.

'Don't be afraid,' the man says with a reassuring smile, 'it's always a bit unsettling the first time but I promise I'm not going to hurt you.'

'But...' he manages to squawk.

'Yo don't need to talk. Just listen for now. You asked what you need to do and, well, it's all very simple really. Just give it all up. Let go. These things, they decay and rust and fade away but there are prizes of much greater worth if you're willing to seek them.'

'What?'

'Let go. Don't hold on so tight. Let them slip through your fingers and take my hand, then you'll see much greater things and be all you were ever intended to be.'

'But what about...' He glances with wide eyes at his beautiful wife lying beside him.

The man chuckles. 'Don't worry about her. She loves you and will happily join you wherever I lead. Just put your trust in me.'

He blinks and all is dark again.

He lies back, sweat soaking his body and the sheets underneath but a small warm glow deep in his heart where the emptiness once lodged. He thinks about his life, all that he has earned and all that he has achieved and in a moment a new struggle begins...

(Matthew 19:16-22)