George, a well-known successful businessman, built a huge fortune. At the age of 73, he found himself at the highest peak of his life. He had earned wealth and prestige. He had properties, banks, skyscrapers, restaurants hotels, and investments of all kinds. His name was equated with wealth, and he was well known in his community.

On his death bed, he called his son Scotty and said to him, “Son, everything I built over the years was for us and I am going to sign all these things over to you.” Scotty was about 49 years of age at this time. When he heard his father’s words, he began to cry uncontrollably like a newborn baby who has met the world for the first time. His father said, “I know this must be overwhelming to know that I have signed everything over to you.”

Scotty was speechless for a long time.

After the last tear ran down Scotty’s cheek, he said to his father, “while you were building your fortune, my aunt Susie cared enough to hold my hand when I was lonely and scared. When I needed love and comfort, my friend Lucas was here and said it will be okay.

“When I was crying for you Dad, my grandmother came and hugged me and said, ‘it will be okay. I am here now.’ When I was hungry, my cousin ate with me. Many nights I looked up to the skies and said, ‘if there is a God, protect my father wherever he is.’”

At this time, the father began to weep uncontrollably because he was moved by the words his son had spoken. So, the father held Scotty’s hand and asked him to forgive him. Scotty said, “Dad, I already have.”As they were holding hands, the son said to his father, “I do have one request, only one Dad.”

The father look into Scotty’s eyes and said, “anything son. What can I do for you?”  He said, “Dad, can you hold my hand and take me to church on Sunday? That’s all I ever wanted from you dad, a little time with you. Can you please dad?”

His dad said, “Absolutely son.”

The world encourages us to pamper ourselves, but the Lord has called us to deny ourselves and to love others. Here is a word of advice from the Master himself: What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet loses his own soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul? Matthew 16:26.