Rich Dad, Poor Son

This Week’s Reflection: Rich Dad, Poor Dad Son

I have a friend who comes from a very affluent family.

When he went off to college, his father, in an act of generosity, paid for his tuition in full and gave him a lump sum of money to cover the entire semester’s expenses. However, being inexperienced in managing such a large amount of money at once on his own amid new peer pressures, my friend quickly burned through the funds meant to last five months in just two weeks.

He fell into the trap of partying and spending with peers who, though of the same social class, had access to either more money or more wisdom at the time. Whether it was due to pride or worry, he refused to call his dad for help. Instead…

So there he was, driving his top-of-the-line Mercedes-Benz, wearing a watch worth more than most people's annual salary, delivering fast food to neighborhoods—unaware of the dangers that would await him.

One night, while delivering to a particularly rough part of town, he found himself in a life-threatening situation. The person he was delivering to had their eye on his car, his watch, and anything else they could take. By God’s grace and some quick thinking, my friend narrowly escaped harm. It was then that he finally did what he should have done from the start: he called his dad.

His father sent him another large sum of money—an amount that, while more than most of us see in four years of college, was not much to his wealthy father. His dad’s response was simple…

So, my question for you today is: Do you need to call your dad?

Key Insight: When Pride Keeps Us from Calling Home

It’s not that my friend wasn’t communicating with his father; they stayed in touch regularly. But he didn’t share with his Dad his situation or ask for the help he needed as his situation worsened. Even when he came to a place of dire need, he didn’t call on his dad for help. This brings up an important question…

How often do we find ourselves in a similar situation? You might be in regular communication with God—attending church, praying, and even doing His work—but when you’re truly in need, do you call on Him? Do you level with Him, express what’s happened, and ask for what you need?

This story reminds me of another son from scripture. He too received a large sum of money from his father and went off to live a life of indulgence.

But after squandering away his living, he didn’t call his dad.

As he lost his place to live, he didn’t call his dad.

After his friends stopped coming around, he still didn’t call his dad.

When he had no one left to crash with, he still didn’t call his dad.

Even after the only job he could find was the most degrading, disgusting work imaginable, he still didn’t call his dad.

But finally, head bowed in a putrid pig trough, in a literal pig sty, flies buzzing about his matted hair as he prepared to dine with swine, he decided to call on his dad.

And when he did, his father didn’t fuss or fight. Instead, he rushed to meet his son, casting aside all dignity befitting a man of his stature, to embrace him in a manner that surely conveyed…

What It Means for Us: Don’t Suffer in Silence

Both of these sons suffered far longer than they needed to, all because they hesitated to call on the one person who could truly help them. Their fathers had more than enough resources, mercy, and love to rescue them, but pride and fear kept them from reaching out.

In our own lives, we often do the same. We struggle in silence, trying to fix things on our own, when our Heavenly Father is ready and willing to help us. God’s love for us is immeasurable, and He wants us to call on Him, especially in times of need.

Steps to Take: Reach Out to Your Father

· Acknowledge Your Need: It starts with recognizing when you’re in over your head. Be honest with yourself and with God about where you are and what you need.

· Call on God: Don’t wait until you’re at rock bottom to reach out. In prayer, express your struggles and ask for His guidance and provision.

· Trust His Response: Just as the fathers in these stories didn’t hesitate to help their sons, trust that God will respond to your call with love and generosity. He may not always answer in the way you expect, but His help will always be exactly what you need.

Scriptural Guidance: The Prodigal Son and Our Own Journeys

The story of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32) is a powerful reminder of God’s unwavering love and readiness to welcome us back, no matter how far we’ve strayed. Like the father in the parable, God is always waiting for us to return to Him, arms open wide, ready to restore and bless us. Remember Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV): "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Every means every, it is not metaphor or a suggestion.

Your Challenge: Call on Your Heavenly Father

This week, I encourage you to reflect on any area of your life where you’ve been trying to manage on your own. Have you been too proud or too afraid to call on your Heavenly Father for help? Take a step of faith and reach out to Him. He is ready and willing to provide, protect, and guide you through whatever challenges you face.

Final Thought: Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late

Remember, you don’t have to wait until you’re at your lowest point to call on God. He’s ready to help at any moment, whether you’re facing a minor setback or a major crisis. Don’t let pride or fear keep you from the support and love that’s always available to you. Call on your Father today, and let Him lead you out of whatever situation you’re in.

PS. My friend learned a very valuable lesson and now manages millions of dollars for some of the world’s largest funds and is very good with money. Powerful lesson and powerful outcome. May your difficulties also become your strengths and a source of value for you as well.