rich

I’ve only known a few people in my life that I would consider “rich.” They own very large houses, drive luxury cars and have enormous bank accounts. Compared to me, those individuals are wildly rich.

I own a house too, though. (Well, at least my name is on the deed. I guess the bank technically owns it still…and unfortunately will for a long time!) I also own a car. Two of them, actually. And they’re both paid for. They’re not luxury cars by any means, but they get us around. I have a checking account and a savings account each with a little money in them. Furthermore, I have a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree. I have some grown up toys like an x-box, iPod and power tools. I own hundreds of books, DVDs and items of clothing. Compared to the rest of the world, I am wildly rich.

And all that is just stuff. What if being “rich” has nothing to do with money and material goods? Or, what if that’s only part of it? What about the intangibles? How do we put a price tag on our spouse or children? How do we quantify good listening skills? Could we ever really pay for a great friendship? Perhaps I’m a whole lot richer than I thought. Perhaps you are too.

Whether our bank accounts are bulging or not, we can give something financially. Regardless of what we’re going through right now, we can make an emotional contribution. No matter what our spiritual state, we matter to the Body of Christ. We usually don’t feel it and, to be honest, it’s very hard to measure, but we’re all extremely rich. Especially those of us who are privileged enough to reside in America. The rest of the world looks at us with disbelieving eyes. Oh, that we all had a bed to sleep in at night…a healthy body to work with…clean water to drink…a family to love.

Lately I’ve been praying that God would help me alter my perspective. I’m sick of looking at life through a negative lens. I’ve had it with a scarcity mindset. I’m tired of being discontent with what I already have. I want to see things through Jesus’ eyes. I want to see the good in every person and each situation. I want to recognize God’s hand at work when my little boy is sick and when money is tight. I want to praise God in an economic crisis and during rush hour.

We have been given so much. We are so blessed. God is so good. Now, what can we give? Who can we bless? In what ways can we be good?

Thank you, Rob Bell and the Nooma team for a fantastic resource!