Last week’s blog was somewhat of a commentary on Jesus’ parable of the rich fool. I ended with words on why Jesus deemed this wealthy man to be a fool. He felt secure in his wealth, but failed to account for his mortality.

Jesus then ends the parable, calling this man a fool: “So is the man who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich towards God.”

Ambrose was a 4^th century Latin theologian who made this insightful observation. “The things we cannot take away with us when we die are really not ours.” In other words, the possessions we have in this life are temporary, and the knowledge of this should impact the way we handle our financial resources.

In referring to our finances, Paul says, “He who sows sparingly shall also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully shall also reap bountifully.” (II Corinthians 9:6) This is the basis of what is called “the scattering principle.”

The word “scatter” used here is taken from agriculture. You scatter seed. The more you scatter the more you gather. Think about how worthless seed is if you just keep it stored up. There is no real benefit. When you scatter it, the seeds come back to you in a more valuable form, in that it produces food. Paul is telling us that we are blind to the purpose of money unless we see its potential as seed.

The best way to turn your financial resources into true riches, true wealth, is to be generous and seek to give away as much as you can. Not only should you seek to give generously, but seek to give wisely.

However, God identifies a number of things in this life that have value and lead to true wealth. He often calls them the “true riches” of life. It is clear He desires for His people to be pursuing these riches, and what is ironic is you cannot attach a dollar value to any of them.

King Solomon tells us in Proverbs 22:1 that a good name, a good reputation is more desirable than great riches. What is that worth to you? Did you know that each of us has a reputation among those who know us. The main determinant of a good name is to have strong character.

In Proverbs 3, Solomon tells us of the incredible value of wisdom. In Verse 15 we learn that wisdom is more valuable than jewels and nothing you desire compares with it. The word “wisdom” comes from the Hebrew word “chokmah” which means to have a skill or expertise in living. Again, we should ask, what is that worth to us?

Then there are numerous verses in the Bible that speak of the incredible wealth of good relationships. For instance, Proverbs 31:10 speaks of an excellent wife, her worth is far above jewels. Psalm 127:3 speaks of our children and how they are a great reward in our lives. And much is said about friendship and its great value.

Paul tells us in Philippians 3:8 of the incredible value of knowing Christ Jesus personally. The reason is because we were put on earth to know Christ personally. It is our reason for being alive. Paul tells us in Colossians 2:10, that in this relationship with Christ we are made complete.

Then, think about the value of our salvation. Paul explains it this way; “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ that though He was rich, for your sake He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich.” We are wealthy people because we have eternal life, and we are told that in Christ we are delivered from the fear of death.

A thought I will leave you with is, to picture a man or woman who has:

1. A great name and reputation in their community because of their strong character.
2. They have great wisdom and therefore make good decisions and choices. They give good counsel to others.
3. They have a great marriage, great relationships with their children and with friends.
4. They have a deep purposeful relationship with Christ as they diligently pursue their relationship.
5. They have no fear of death because they know that when their life comes to an end they will go home to be with their heavenly Father.

This would be someone who possesses true wealth, the true riches of life.

So, if God blesses you with material wealth, be grateful and generous, but also know there is a greater wealth. There is a wealth that transcends financial wealth. It is a wealth that should be pursued diligently all the days of our lives.

Richard E Simmons III is the founder and Executive Director of The Center for Executive Leadership and a best-selling author.