6.1 million in unclaimed property

Lives are turned upside down on a regular basis.  Sometimes unexpected tragedy is the
cause, or a dire diagnosis.  Maybe domestic strife finally boils over and
relationships are severed.  Not as frequently, though, do we read of a good cause for
the upheaval.  But there is in Missouri a lady whose life was recently changed, and
we suspect she couldn't be happier.

We say "suspect" because her name and location have not been released. Officials with
the state of Missouri have only reported that she was told she had $6.1 million in
unclaimed property.  We can only speculate on the reason: maybe it was stock in which
her grandfather invested decades ago.  A large insurance policy taken out by her
unmarried aunt might be the source of this windfall.  Whatever the reason, someone is
now a millionaire (if she wasn't one already).

"Unclaimed assets" are something many of us dream about.  Occasionally our local
newspaper has a listing of people in the county who have funds due them.  I have
looked carefully, but never found my name on such a list.  In fact, the Missouri
officials observe that the average payout for such assets is only $300.  Still, few
of us would turn up our noses at such a paltry sum!

Millions (billions?) now living on earth have assets of which they know nothing.
These assets are not items of securities, currency or real estate, but they have the
potential to bring joy and happiness into any person's life.  Education or ethnic
background are not criteria; in fact anyone is able to step forward and fulfill the
simple terms to receive these assets.  If only more people knew about these - and
believed in their value!

We're speaking, of course, of the blessings made available by Jesus. He spoke about
this in John 10:10: "... I  have come that they may have life, and that they may have
it more abundantly."  Life in abundance does not depend on large bank accounts,
contrary to what some may think.  Just think of how many stories you've read about
wealthy folks whose lives were actually miserable.

Another statement by Jesus points to the richness of these blessings: "Do not fear,
little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom" (Luke
12:32).  The Father in this case is God the Father; He possesses the whole world, and
vast spiritual treasures besides.  And Jesus informs us that God absolutely wants to
give us this kingdom!

Paul pointed to this lavish lifestyle awaiting our claim: "Blessed be the God and
Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in
the heavenly places in Christ" (Ephesians 1:3).  We're conditioned to look for
material blessings.  God offers us something even better - spiritual blessings that
never drop in value.

Great gain?  That's part of the package.  "Now godliness with contentment is great
gain", wrote Paul (1 Timothy 6:6).  We'll need to develop a new mindset to realize
these gains, but they're there.

Have you claimed these assets?  The key is to be "in Christ" (note again Ephesians
1:3).  And when you're ready to get serious, Galatians 3:26,27 will tell you how to
get into Christ.

Timothy D. Hall