Willy Wonka's Squirrels

John 15:16 “I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit – fruit that will last.” Over the weekend we watched Charlie And The Chocolate Factory and last night I led a devotional for the boys on Veruca Salt. When Willy Wonka explains that he uses trained squirrels to crack nuts in his factory, Veruca turns to her father and says “Daddy, I want a squirrel. Get me one of those squirrels. I want one.” “Veruca dear, you have many marvelous pets.” “All I’ve got at home is one pony and two dogs and four cats and six bunny rabbits, and two parakeets and two canaries and a green parrot and a turtle and a silly old hamster. I want a squirrel!” Needless to say, Veruca’s somewhat spoiled. I further explained that God wants us to enjoy fun things now, but sometimes getting too many things now hurts us later. “Imagine Veruca goes out into the world and gets a job. If she talks that way to her boss, will she get promoted at work? She could buy a lot more pets later if she learns good values now. So we need to have an eternal perspective. God always has the best in store, but he knows what’s best to bless us in the long term, which is what’s really important.” Lord, thanks for reminding me that what matters is fruit that really lasts. Help me to have an eternal perspective. In Jesus’ name, Amen.