NOTE: No Jaguar owners were harmed in the writing of these thoughts.

Years ago I found myself sitting in the Jaguar of Palm Beach dealership. Now this statement alone is fraught with all kinds of contradictions and raises more questions than I can answer. But there I was, sitting, observing, squirming and feeling completely out place in these halls of decadence for the wealthy. The term ‘fish out of water’ definitely fits here.

As I sat there, I watched who I interpreted as ‘rich’ people come and go, test driving these beautiful cars with some going in to offices to discuss financing options and/or sign papers for the loan on their new ‘dream’ car, destined to be ‘a car’ after the 6-month new owner euphoria wore off.

Back in the ‘90’s the joke about buying a Jaguar was ‘opt for the towing package’ when purchasing. I’ll let you figure out the rest.

So I sat there while my friend and mentor at the time took care of the finance/purchase details of his new ‘Jag.’ That’s what you’re allowed to call them when you own one. “Yeah, I drive a Jag!” At the time my line was, “yeah, I drive a Jeep Laredo with 180K miles.” For some reason, my line did not carry much weight in the ‘impress them’ genre of the wealthy and good-credit demographic groups.

While waiting, I learned a valuable lesson in not judging a book by its cover. Which has now grown to don’t judge! (Worry about the log in my own eye.). Another story. As I am in this palace of visual achievement, in walks a man and woman who I thought were homeless. Torn jean shorts, ratty shirts, flip flops, baseball cap that had seen too much sun. These people were in need.

My impression was, they’re probably here to go use the bathrooms and if they can, raid the snacks that were laid out for the customers not like me. As they entered a salesperson came running up nervously and I just knew, ‘boy they’re about to get it and be asked to leave.’ Instead and to my great surprise, they were greeted with “hello Mr. & Mrs. X so good to see you.” To which Mr. X pointed to the most expensive car in the showroom, red, top down, light brown leather…this baby was sweet, and said, “she want this one. I’ll have someone drop a check off later today. You know where to deliver it.” And out the door they went, while the nervous-nelly salesperson began the work of finalizing the sale. What just happened here?

“But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lordlooks at the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7 NIV

As the years have passed and in moments of insecurity or questioning my belonging, I am reminded of that couple. Secure in who they were. Deliberate in their transaction. Authoritative with instructions. And kind to the person selling them the car. They had achieved a place that required no pretense or effort to impress. As God’s daughters and sons, we have achieved the ultimate security and assurance of eternity, requiring no need to impress, only a requirement to live the love and hope that is Jesus Christ.

“But blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence. They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green, and they never stop producing fruit.” Jeremiah 17:7-8 NLT

So I still have never owned a “Jag!” I have wasted decades desiring to drive, live in, wear and go to the places that reflect Worldly success and more sadly, deflect the brokenness of a desperate man. I choose today to reject the idea of waste and use those life experiences to encourage others in all socioeconomic conditions to reject the sin of comparison and walk joyfully and freely in the knowledge that the first on earth will be last in Heaven and the last first.

I want to present to you the Gospel of prosperity that is the hope, love, forgiveness, Grace & Mercy that is Jesus Christ. That my friend is enough. You are more than enough. You are the vessel that is someone’s hope and whose story becomes their understanding of the purpose of their life. Live richly in the only wealth that matters, the immeasurable value that you are when called “God’s beloved daughter or son.”

You’ve got this.