Looking For The Bonus

Looking for the Bonus

Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.

Matthew 6:33

Can we play the game, Mom?” asked our daughter, Victoria. It was the Christmas season, which meant we often played a fun game while driving around town. Any home that was decorated with a wreath would gain our team one point. Persons on the right side of the car played against those on the left.

That Sunday afternoon following the church service, we had invited our pastor and his wife out for lunch. The young couple, Pastor Bob and his wife, Judy, got into our car, and the game began.

My husband drove, and he teased us, saying he would choose a different route where there were more homes on his side of the street.

“That’s not fair!” protested Victoria, and I agreed.

“Oh, all right.” He gave in and went on to remind us, “By the way, there’s a five-point bonus if you pass a Santa Claus.”

The competition gained new momentum. Pastor’s team had eleven points, and ours was ahead at thirteen.

“The first team to reach twenty wins,” said my husband.

“Now I have fifteen,” said Pastor.

“There’s a wreath on that door. We have nineteen!” said Victoria.

Then Pastor blurted out, “All we need is Santa and we’re saved!”

Everyone’s attention turned toward him with shocked responses:

“Ooh, Pastor.”

“Santa—save us?”

A red-faced Pastor Bob graciously accepted our taunting and accepted that his team had lost the game.

In truth, most of us desire to get ahead in life and are looking for that bonus that will push us over the top.

—Gloria J. Wallace

Father, I place my ambitions in your hands. Thank you for your promise to take care of my every need as I seek after you alone. For I know if I seek your Kingdom first, you will add all these other things to my life. Amen.