Wealthy

January 24, 2008

By William E. Richardson

"One's life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses" (Luke 12:15, NKJV).

Bill Gates, founder of Microsoft, led the pack once again last year. In Forbes Magazine's annual listing of the wealthiest Americans, Mr. Gates topped the list for the 14th straight year. His estimated worth? $59 billion.

You may never make the Forbes list, but you might be wealthier than some of America's richest people. That's because wealth is about more than money and material possessions.

Shortly after wanting it, a billionaire can own anything from the latest electronic gizmo to the best tract of land. Money can actually buy pleasure, but not happiness. King Solomon said so.

Once the wealthiest man on earth, Solomon, admitted, "I did not withold my heart from any pleasure" (Ecclesiastes 2:10). He also admitted to not being satisfied.

The apostle Paul on the other hand said he had enjoyed a surplus and endured poverty (Philippians 4:12). After his large range of experience, some of his last recorded words were, "Godliness with contentment is great gain" (1 Timothy 6:6).

No matter the century, the truth is eternal: Monetary wealth doesn't satisfy; living for God does. There are at least four ways you're wealthier as a Christian than any nonbelieving billionaire.

As a Christian, you're wealthy because you invest in the eternal. You never need to worry about protecting your wealth. Jesus promised if we invest in heavenly treasures, they'll be safe from moths, rust and thieves (Matthew 6:20).

As a Christian, you're wealthy because God abundantly blesses you. A non-Christian can live a long, exciting life and die with a lot of nice things, but only a Christian can live the abundant life. The Psalmist concluded, "Blessed be the Lord, who daily loads us with benefits" (Psalm 68:19).

As a Christian, you're wealthy because God protects and heals you. From a close call falling off a ladder to a near collision while driving somewhere, God keeps protecting you. "He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways" (Psalm 91:11). When something does happen to you, you can trust God for a healing touch. "I am the Lord who heals you" (Exodus 15:26).

As a Christian, you're wealthy because the Holy Spirit helps you. You began following Jesus because the Holy Spirit convinced you of your need. Now He guides you into truth and prepares you for days ahead (John 16:13). He helps you pray (Romans 8:16) and bear spiritual fruit (Galatians 5:22,23).

While God does grant some of His followers financial wealth, most of us will never be financially wealthy. Still, we are far wealthier than every non-Christian on the annual Forbes list. Then again, if we included our future inheritance, we'd be on a list that skyrockets past a mere $59 billion.

-- William E. Richardson is senior pastor of Afton (Iowa) Assembly of God.