Money- How Much is Enough?

I have been thinking of wealth lately. Not in the sense of dollars and cents. Not even big dollars- like gobs of Ben Franklin faced greenery. You see the average person probably thinks of money when you speak of wealth or riches. The perspective and outlook on wealth and riches takes on many tones.

So what is wealth and who defines it. It's different according to different people and differing cultures as well. One of the best definitions I ever heard on wealth was this: Wealth is having enough and the capacity to enjoy it. Though I heard that definition years ago it still rings true today. I have observed that in our culture we often focus on what we don't yet have and strive to obtain that rather than cultivate a grateful heart over that which our beneficent God has already given us. James says, "Every gift is from above and comes from the Father" (James 1:17).

We might look at a gorgeous, opulent home and think how much we don't have while a child living in a thatched roof hutch is loved, fed and with her family. She would never know what she does not possess on Rodeo Dr. or in the Hamptons. She has enough and is able to enjoy it!

As I walk through life I want to cultivate an attitude of gratitude and be thankful. Full of thanks. No doubt we are still the wealthiest (measured by average household income) people on the entire planet. I want to learn to praise God for what I do have and not focus on what I don't have.

One of the wisest persons to live was Solomon who is ascribed to be the writer of the Book of Proverbs. This is what he said regarding riches, "and don't make me either rich or poor' just give me enough food for each day" (Prov. 30.8).

Let me challenge you today to learn contentment and to become satisfied in Him. Then make it your ambition to serve others, enlarging wealth in their hearts- not just pocketbooks.