Wealth Is Not My Dream

By Leslie Martin

“If I were a rich man…” starts out a song. Dreams of wealth. Many people have that dream…Oh to be rich. It sounds charming, delightful and easier than the toil of every day life. But, it never has been my dream!

I was raised by parents who lived through the depression. They nearly starved to death. So, my father pushed himself. He is brilliant, and I believe he is a multimillionaire. But is he content? No. At age 79 he still panics that there will not be enough money to retire. His health is terrible, but he still works to acquire more money. It is not greed, it is fear. And that same fear he has passed on to me. As my bank accounts grow, I often live a life of a prisoner. I too am addicted to fear based living.

Daily I check my bank balances. What happens if I run out? When is enough, enough? Will I continually need more? Do we have too much, too little? What is my part in ministry? How much do I give, and how much do I save. What is my responsibility to others? How do I share my wealth? What would God have me do? I pray often to be free from the fears that drive my life. I look with envy at those that can live a balanced life of faith and stewardship. Too often I live a fear-based life, not a faith-based life. Wealth does not necessarily come from money.

I do have joy, but it does not come from what is in my bank account. My wealth comes in the things that really mattered to God. I have an abundance of friends, a loving family, and faith. I find joy in the simple things…the blue sky, the flowers, my pet dog, a phone call from someone who cares.

Jesus told us clearly that the rich have a hard time entering the kingdom. What is gained with wealth? It certainly can be a resource for many good things, but more often I have observed that it turns the faithful into the fearful. The unselfish become selfish. Faith seems to vanish as wealth increases. The “haves” often disdain the “have nots.” Wealth often becomes a curse, not a blessing. A Christian can lose eternity chasing his money.

As I observe many poor and disabled folk I notice that they often are able to enjoy simple things. They have their priorities straight. These Christians seem to flow with compassion, enjoying fellowship and faith. They live totally for Christ. They laugh and are unselfish. They have time to listen to God. They are at peace.

True wealth is the abundance God provides to everyone. It is love for God and love for others. This is what brings true happiness. That is the wealth I want. I want a heavenly bank account built on relationships. In my book that’s something to sing about!

Leslie Martin writes from Medford, Oregon.