Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Are You Rich Or Not?

What makes a man rich? Is it having a large amount of money in the bank? Is it a brand new sports car? A mansion by the lakefront? Or is it having the love and support of family and friends?

The word "rich" has always been defined as having great material wealth. But the best definition of being rich is having something of great value, which goes beyond materiality and gratifies the soul.

It may surprise many, but studies show that these are the twelve real riches most sought after by man (in their order of priority):

1. A positive mental attitude
2. Sound physical health
3. Harmony in human relations
4. Freedom from fear
5. The hope of a future achievement
6. The capacity for applied faith
7. Willingness to share one's blessings with others
8. To be engaged in a labor of love
9. An open mind on all subjects toward all people
10. Complete self-discipline
11. Wisdom with which to understand people
12. Financial security

Note that money comes at the end of the list. Why? What good is money if you are despised by others? A man can be rich even when he only has a single dime in his pocket. When he gives his time to help others, he gets along well with others, he is healthy, disciplined and courageous, he is already rich.

To some people, that is not enough. It is not bad to want money, as long as it is a means to an end. The bible has said that "it is harder for a rich man to enter the gates of heaven than it is for a camel to go through the eye of a needle." Jesus was actually referring to the rich man who wouldn't give his possessions to the poor. It is selfishness that makes him not worthy to enter the gates of heaven. If you use it to help others, that's different. Money does not destroy your spirituality. It destroys you when you abuse it or when you let it control you.

If you have the desire for financial security, it is best to first acquire the first eleven riches. Then money will easily come to you.