Playing in the yard the other day we came across a Roly Poly.

It's one of those little gray insects with an armadillo back that curls up into a ball when frightened.

'Why does that bug do that?' asked the 4-year-old. 'It's how it survives,' came that answer. 'That's a prehistoric insect, it's been around for millions of years. God made that bug that way to play its important role in the ecosystem. It's thrived, multiplied, and helped this big, beautiful world become what it is today .'

Ever wonder why God made you, you?

Why did God give you your gifts?

Why are you so rich and powerful?

OK, maybe not a millionaire, governor, or CEO - but remember, 93% of the world does not own a car - so it's relative - but my point is that God has gifted us with all we have to equip us to play or own crucial roles in the health and vibrancy of our ecosystem.

This weekend we will hear Jesus talk with critics who are confused, like we can get, and think that their power and wealth might be used for status, and not service. They think their gifts of intelligence, health, and influence were given to them to solely make them better - when, of course, it was given to them to make the world better.

Friends, if you're wealthy enough to be watching this video, God has been good to you. God has blessed you. God has chosen you to play an irreplaceable role in the betterment of the world. May the good Lord give us the wisdom and courage to use our strength not for status, but for service.