True Wealth
Tom was correct. I am wealthy. So are you.
Tom and I were discussing pigs, of all things. Tom is a neighbor and friend, and we joined with a third neighbor this year to purchase feeder pigs. Each family acquired one male and one female pig in the early spring, and now—nearly 300 pounds later—they are nearly fully grown out.
But Tom had bad news, “I’m down to one pig.” Tom’s female pig had suddenly passed away.
I was pretty devastated to hear the news. I know from personal experience how disappointing it is to be raising an animal, and to invest time, money, and energy into caring for them, only to have a predator or illness intervene. Even when the end goal is food for your family, it is an investment of care and concern to raise animals, and I felt badly for Tom and his family, and for the pig.
But Tom’s response was on point, “I am wealthy. So are you.”
At first, I was taken aback. When the word “wealthy” comes to mind, I would not have immediately associated Tom with it. I certainly would not have ascribed that label to myself! And yet, as we continued to talk, it was so obviously true—both Tom and I are indescribably wealthy in so many ways!
We both have a relationship with the almighty God, and as a result, our eternity is secure in a place where thieves cannot steal it (Matt. 6:19-21)! That makes us wealthy!
Tom meant it in that way, yes, but he meant more than that. He meant it in a material sense, as well. He said, “I still have one pig, and even if I didn’t, I have the luxury of working to try to raise my own food. That makes me wealthy!”
Wow! What perspective. It was impossible to argue with. Just that fact alone—the fact Tom has the resources to attempt something as simple as raising his own food—places Tom among the financially “wealthy” in our world. So, while I was sad he had lost a pig, Tom was happy because he knew he was truly wealthy!
In 2 Corinthians 6:10, Paul says that servants of God who have nothing still possess everything! It is all a matter of how you define “wealth.” If you define wealth as I instinctively did, it is infinitely elusive. There will never be enough. But if you define it as Paul and Tom did, the fact that you have a relationship with Jesus Christ makes you wealthy no matter your financial situation!
So, are you wealthy? If you know Jesus as your Lord and Savior, the answer is a resounding yes! If you do not, begin a relationship with Him today. It is the only way to be truly wealthy!
The following article originally appeared in Thann’s “The Equipped” Weekly Newsletter. For more information on Thann’s weekly email, click here.