The prosperous man had earned his comforts. His calendar was full: work, travel, plans for the next season, and places he still wanted to see.
Not far away lived another man. His work had disappeared, illness had drained his strength, and each month seemed to ask more than he could give.
The two men were old friends. The struggling man did not begrudge the other his success. He had once received genuine kindness from him. He remembered it gratefully.
What troubled him most was not the difference in their bank accounts.
It was a story Jesus had told about a rich man and a poor man named Lazarus. One lived in comfort; the other lay in need at his gate. Then both lives ended, and everything they had valued was seen in a different light.
The struggling friend wondered if the other ever thought about that ending. He wondered whether he himself thought about it enough.
What if the most important thing we leave this life with is something we could never purchase?
He knew being poor did not make a person righteous. Being wealthy did not make a person wicked. And giving away money could not buy anyone a place in heaven.
The Christian promise of salvation was a gift of God’s grace through faith in Jesus Christ—not a reward for an impressive bank balance or even a lifetime of generosity.
Yet that gift could change how a person sees the world: a stranger in need, an old friend asking for help, a chance to listen while there is still time.
He remembered Peter’s words to a man who had asked for alms: ‘Silver and gold have I none.’ Peter did not have what the man expected, but he stopped and gave what he could.
Perhaps that was the message he wanted to send his friend—not an accusation, but an invitation.
I hope your life is full and beautiful, my friend. But more than anything, I hope we both remember where this life is leading.
Neither man knew how many tomorrows remained. Their story was still being written, and the gate between them was not yet closed.
There was still time to notice. Still time to care. Still time to seek what money could never buy.
What do you think?
If tomorrow were your last day, what would matter most today—and who might need to hear from you while there is still time?
Inspired by Luke 16:19–31, Acts 3:6, Mark 8:36, and Ephesians 2:8–9.
Leave One Light On. Notice the need. Take one meaningful step. Choose to see, today.
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