Read Luke 12:32-40 with your family.

Sometimes when we read stories in the Bible, we can easily pictures ourselves being there. As fun as that is, it is easy to let our imagination build a whole picture and we miss what Jesus was trying to teach. It happens to adults all the time, too.

When Jesus talks about being ready and using the word picture of people waiting by the door, he is really talking about keeping our heart open to seeing God in people and places all around us. We can do that anywhere.

Jesus also talks about getting rid of everything we owned. That was hard to hear from Jesus, and it is hard to hear today. Some of the early followers of Jesus did give everything away, and then they needed to rely on others to buy them food and give them a place to live. So we have to use common sense when reading this passage.

Jesus was trying to make us realize that when we focus on stuff, we are not focusing on God or finding ways to help God’s people.

So when you find yourself more interested in what you own rather than other people, maybe it is time to think about what you really need, and get rid of some of the things that are just a distraction.