Rick Warren recently held a presidential debate, or questioning, at his church in Saddleback. I always enjoy Rick Warren’s insights, and he raised some very interesting points. One of his questions he asked was “What is your definition of being rich?” Now, I’m not going to talk about their responses, but I am interested in your response. Because this questions touches on a significant issue of your philosophy of life. Most Americans, even in the church, have a significantly materialistic mindset. By our actions we seem to indicate that rich means I make more money than I need, or am able to spend. This flies in the face of reality, not just the Bible. One thing I love about the Bible is how accurately it describes the human condition and the way life really works.
In Luke 8:14, Jesus talks about how the longing to be rich with money and other things in life actually choke a person’s life and growth in Christ. When we have an attitude that believes we need more money to be rich, and being rich is our goal to living a fulfilled life, we sell ourselves short and guarantee a lack of fulfillment in our lives. When you look at many of the people who are quite wealthy, you see many miserable people. Sam Walton, towards the end of his life, said he believed he was the most miserable man on earth. If he was alive today, he would be the wealthiest man alive. You see many wealthy people who live miserable lives. I believe riches has much more to do with the amount of peace of mind, love, and joy in your life. All three of these things can be given by Christ, and are not dependent on your circumstances. The more we seek Him, and live excellently, doing everything as unto the Lord, the more rich our lives become. He made us, and desires for us to live a rich life. Indeed, that is what Christ has been working toward for all our lives. So ask God what He wants you to do next, because He is truly working for your good!