Worldly Wealth…How Much Is Enough?

We are indeed facing tough economic times; perhaps, the greatest for any generation of Americans, as well as for our neighbors around the world. What should be our course of action for these turbulent times? How should we consider worldly wealth and the question of how much is enough?

There is a story of an Arabian man who lived in a small cottage on a hill. Every week he would ride into the desert to a small stream so he could provide water for his camel….and every week, as the camel would drink, he would nose up pebbles to make a deeper place for the water to pool. Each week, the man would pick up some of the bright stones that his camel unearthed in the stream and take them home with him. One day, a visiting traveler told the man of the wonderful life and great riches that certain men in a nearby city enjoyed…the man’s heart filled with want and discontent; his eyes widen at the dream of worldly riches. So, he sold his small cottage and wandered the entire land looking for money and earthly riches; but finally, he died, alone and impoverished; buried in nothing but filthy rags. But for the man who bought the cottage, he found the collection of bright stones left behind by the previous owner and he preserved them.

One day a merchant, traveling through the region, stopped at the small cottage and was shone the bright stones. He informed the man that these stones were indeed diamonds and he became a millionaire immediately.

The first man had great wealth, but in his ignorance and foolishness sought the wealth of the world and died penniless. The second man held on to something that seemed insignificant, yet proved to be of great value.

How true is that today for so many of us? We strive and struggle and sweat to make ourselves rich by worldly standards; yet, we miss the greatest treasure of all…a full and exciting walk with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Jesus said, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:21

Where is your heart today…and where is your head regarding wealth? It has been said that the problem for many of us is not that we want more…just that we want more than somebody else. It is that mentality that has led us to our current economic crisis here in America…. and it is a mentality that can only change as we surrender our will and our desires to the one who gave it all…. so that He could acquire you and me.

Are you interested in determining your worldly wealth today? Then, make a list to answer this question….add up everything you have that money can’t buy and death can’t take away….and that will tell you the condition of your heart and the wealth that is yours.

Rich Beyond Worldly Measure,

WPQ