What Is Wealth?

Before continuing on… answer this question. What does the word ‘wealth’ mean to you?

The other day, I asked my sister what the word wealth’ meant to her? And I was quite surprised by the answer I received. Not because it was outlandish, but because I believe we are very similar-minded, and yet my first thoughts were very different from the two words she immediately associated - wealth and health. She went on to explain how ‘wealth’ not only represented having her own good health, but how it represented being rich in family and having good relationships, having success in your calling, having confidence in what you believe, and financial security ...“with some extra blessings”. Overall, a life of abundance. When I initially asked her that question, my mind was immediately formulating a very literal definition, tying together ideas of wealth with financial success. Did your mind go in the same direction as mine or were you thinking more broadly?

As you are driving or cycling into work today, ponder on the word ‘wealth’ and what ‘true wealth’ really means to you. Maybe you have been thinking strictly within the lines like myself, and while you are aware of the good things you have in your life, you just never viewed those blessings with being a ‘wealthy’ person (ie. healthy friendships, strong family connections, being rich in character and integrity, working in a job you love, etc.). Stretch your definition of wealth today, and I believe you will realize your life has been more blessed than you were even aware of.

“One of the greatest blessings of Heaven is the appreciation of heaven on earth - Ephesian truth.”
-Jim Elliot (October 28, 1949 journal entry)

-Dr. Kristyn Bell