As I age, I often think about words like “legacy”, “impact” and quite frankly, my eulogy — in essence, what will my friends and family say about me and how will they describe me when I’m gone. Frankly, it is a bit scary at times because deep down inside, I know I haven’t always “shown up” or been the person I wanted to be. I’ve let my selfish pride, my ego, my lack of humility and my sinful nature show up sometimes and that hasn’t always been my best self. As a result, I’ve likely damaged relationships and have some regrets. And to add insult to injury, all the money in the world isn’t going to outlive how I am remembered by those that I care most about remembering me in some fashion. In thinking about that, I got to thinking about the 3 “F”s that really create the kind of wealth that lasts well beyond our physical and fiscal (think earthly) assets.
Faith: Defined as “what we believe in our core” or what we cling to when the world around us is shaking and chaotic. For me, it truly is a peace and hope in a risen Savior that loves me in spite of my unlove ableness (not sure that is even a word) that shows up sometimes. A heavenly father who is loving, gracious, merciful and wants my obedience and who paid an immense sacrifice for me. Lest I say this as some perfectionist, I am not. I am an ugly sinner who struggles with sin like everyone else. I just know I don’t have to carry that sin and that I can be transformed over time in my heart to be a better obedient follower – not of my own doing but of His doing. Having a strong faith when the world is crumbling around you is a sign of wealth and prosperity, even if it doesn’t look like it on the outside.
Family: Wealth is the love of family and the fact that you have people who love you and you love – with the full knowledge that family relationships at times are tough but worth it. They are messy, they are hard, they are strained at times…and yet they are wonderful too. Investing and building strong family ties and connections that are healthy and respectful are about building wealth through the abundance of emotions that lie within those relationships.
Friends: Having the accountability and backing of just a few key friends is vital. Not the superficial type that often get mistaken as acquaintances, but the kind of friends that drop what they are doing, even if they can’t come to your side, but call or text to check in and pray for you. Or as some of Job’s best friends did, just sit with you — not to fix the situation but to sit IN IT with you for a season…and then they know exactly when it is no longer time to SIT IN IT with you but to speak into your life to pick you up. And the kind of friend that hurst when you hurt and celebrates in your celebration. To have even one of these is to have the wealth of a thousand kings in my opinion.
So, what are you doing today or this week or this month to build “wealth”? Maybe it’s simply digging deeper in your faith by joining a bible study or getting involved in your church. Maybe it’s making amends in a family relationship, even if you aren’t “wrong” but simply to put ego aside and love your family. Or maybe it’s reaching out to a friend in need to simply “sit with them”. Go build wealth where it matters most while you’re building wealth where it matters less!
