A day or two before my dad died at 80 years old, a wealthy businessman wrote a letter to him titled, “The Richest Man I Know.” In the letter he said that he would trade his wealth for the wealth that he saw in my dad’s life.
What did the rich man see?
I believe what he saw was some of the, “true riches” promised to Believers. Jesus said, “If you are untrustworthy about worldly wealth, who will trust you with the true riches of heaven?” (Luke 16:11). Some of the richest people I have ever met have been in some of the financially poorest of circumstances, like this church in Smyrna, “These are the words of him who is the First and the Last, who died and came to life again. I know your afflictions and your poverty—yet you are rich!” (Revelations 2:8-9).
Should I make a list here of, “true riches?” I don’t think so.
It is something you have to “see” for yourself. I never really thought that my dad was the “richest man I knew.” But now after more than 50 years of ministry, working with people from all walks of life, I can honestly say that none of them are any richer than my dad was. All of my life he was an example to my brother and I of a man of God. His integrity, faithfulness and passion for God’s work instilled in us a desire for God that over looked and overcame any personal or financial struggles we experienced. His life and ministry gave us a living example of what Paul wrote to the Philippians, “Always rejoice in the Lord . . .I have learned to be satisfied in any circumstance. I know what it means to lack, and I know what it means to experience overwhelming abundance. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:11-12). So, how do I live for these, “True riches?”
True Riches are the Fruit of your Generosity.
Toward the end of Paul’s letter to the Philippians he writes, “I’m not requesting a gift, but I want the fruit of your generosity to bring you an abundant reward.” (17).
2. Stay Engaged.
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4:7). I have seen so many just quit. They launch out excited about their vision but then the water gets turbulent . . .
3. Focus
What did the rich man see? The truth is when my dad died, he did not have much of this world’s wealth and this man knew that. But, dad had something that this man saw. You have to choose what you see and focus your life on.
My dad, my mom and my brother have all moved on to their eternal rewards. I’m sure they are enjoying greater riches than we can possibly imagine. So, Jeff Bezo, you are not really the richest man around.
Larry Neville – MondayMorning.club
Quotes from: The Passion Translation Copyright © 2017 by BroadStreet Publishing New King James Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. New International Version Copyright © 1973 by Biblica, Inc