In the book of Job, we read that Job was a wealthy and righteous man who lived in the land of Uz, who eventually lost his wealth and possessions, as well as being afflicted with painful sores.
We see that Job does not become disoriented or lose his faith despite losing his wealth, health and possessions. Instead, he remains faithful to God and does not curse Him. Job's response is one of humility and trust in God, recognizing that God is sovereign and has a plan for his life. It is an important text for those seeking to understand the role of faith in the face of suffering.

​The way we do not lose our orientation when we lose our wealth, is when we do not lose sight of our identities as children of God. We see that Job does not lose sight of his identity as a child of God despite his suffering. When Job realizes he has lost everything, he does not try to figure things out on his own. Instead, he turns to God in worship and humility. He does not question God's justice or wisdom, but instead he turns to Him in worship and trust. This act of worship is an act of submission to God's will and a recognition of God's sovereignty and goodness.
This Gospel perspective suggests that our true Christian identity is not based on our wealth or possessions, but on our relationship with God as His children. It also implies that our sense of purpose and well-being should not come from what we have, but from who we are in God. This is an important lesson for those who may be struggling with the loss of wealth or possessions and can help to maintain a sense of hope and resilience.
 
Job 1
At this, Job got up and tore his robe and shaved his head. Then he fell to the ground in worship and said: “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised.”

When people lose sight of the significance of Jesus' work on the cross, they also lose a proper understanding of grace. Grace is central to the Christian faith. Without an understanding of Jesus' sacrifice and the forgiveness it offers, people may start to rely on their own efforts or works to earn salvation. This leads to a distorted view of Christianity, and a lack of understanding of the true nature of God's grace.
Grace is the unmerited and undeserved favor of God, the free gift of salvation offered to humanity through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

However, Gratitude is often considered a natural outcome of receiving grace. Gratitude is often considered an emotional response that cannot be manufactured or forced. It arises naturally when the heart is impacted and touched by the blessings and goodness of God. It is a natural response when people understand the depth of God's love, mercy, and grace towards them.
When people truly understand the magnitude of the gift of salvation that is offered through Jesus Christ, and the depth of God's love and grace towards them, it can naturally lead to feelings of gratitude. This gratitude is not something that can be manufactured or forced, but it arises from a heart that is touched by the love and grace of God. It's important to note that feelings of gratitude can also be cultivated and nurtured by regularly reflecting on God's blessings, meditating on scripture and by practicing gratitude through prayers and journaling. These actions may help to open our hearts to God's love and grace, making us more receptive to feelings of gratitude.

Psalms 107:1 - "Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever."

Positions of leadership and influence within the context of the Kingdom of God often require a willingness and readiness to sacrifice. This may include making difficult decisions that may not be popular or well-received. The willingness to sacrifice is often seen as a necessary characteristic for those who wish to serve in a leadership role within the church or organizations
 
In the story of Esther, a Jewish queen in ancient Persia, is faced with the task of saving her people from persecution. Esther reaches a place of spiritual readiness to be willing to die if required, as stated in Esther 4:16 "And if I perish, I perish." This statement is an expression of her willingness to put herself in danger for the sake of her people. This willingness to sacrifice shows Esther's strong sense of duty and her deep commitment to God and her community. Esther's story is an example of how one person's willingness to sacrifice can lead to great impact and change.
 
According to the Gospel, Jesus willingly gave up his life as a sacrifice for the sins of humanity. This is known as the doctrine of substitutionary atonement. This sacrificial act is considered the ultimate demonstration of love and is the foundation of the Christian faith.
 
It is important to remember that the ultimate motivation behind any sacrifice should be to emulate the example of Jesus and his sacrifice on the cross. If the motivation behind a sacrifice is self-serving or for personal gain, it is not truly a sacrifice in the same way that Jesus' sacrifice was. It's important to see Jesus on the cross as the ultimate example and to follow that example in all aspects of life, including leadership and service. By choosing to see Jesus, we are reminded of the true meaning of sacrifice, which is to love and serve others, even if it means putting ourselves at risk. This mindset can help to ensure that the sacrifices we make are done with the right motivations and can ultimately bring glory to God.