Bob Marley, better known as Robert Nesta Marley (a Jamaican singer, musician, songwriter & legend) may have said it best: “My riches is life, forever.”
Real wealth is measured by everything within, and the greatest riches last forever.
Don’t be so poor that all you have is money. Fat pockets will never fill an empty soul; Only the spirit of the Most High can do that. Never put money on a pedestal - it’ll destroy your soul. I once explained to my young boys that making money is okay until the money makes you. My oldest son, Tre replied, “make you what, daddy?” I simply smiled and said, “Son, you’d be amazed by how far chasing money can take you away from what truly matters in life, versus letting the money chase you.” “Physical wealth is the most illusive process that there is (Alan Watts).” Be careful to never confuse money with consumable wealth. I mean, if you think about it — losing all of your physical assets isn’t the worst thing that can happen to you, when compared to having everything externally while being internally bankrupt.
“For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” - 1 Timothy 6:10
My young boys didn’t ask me what truly matters in life. It’s as if they don’t need to question it. I believe that’s the beauty of being a child — young children don’t experience the frustrations of the money illusion. Oh no. Societal traps has no grip on them. Young children are naturally happy with the smallest things this life can bring. A piece of candy, their favorite meals, ice cream and cartoons keeps them at peace without a stress in the world. Society says, “If you make more money, you have a higher value, and are better than those who don’t make as much”. This is one of the greatest lies. So many people fall for this trap, competing, comparing, and going broke to prove they are not broke, or to keep up with others who look rich because people treat you better when you look better or have more (Proverbs 14:20). Young children, simply, don’t care about any of those guidelines. They are joyful creatures with just love and good health. Surely, money grants us access to more, but there will always be a greater that money cannot buy — like genuine love, support, or a real friend who isn’t a friend of opportunity, then ghost you when you “aint got motion”, but will be there for you in a time of need (someone who cares for your soul, not your pockets).
True riches comes from within. A broken soul with one million dollars can only buy more things to use as a cloak to hide their misery, or to escape the darkness inside they know money or materialistic gain will never fix. Alicia Keys, (a multi-talented singer, songwriter, pianist, and actress) says: “WE DON’T GET WHAT WE ASK FOR, WE GET WHAT WE BELIEVE.”
Takeaway Scripture: Receive my instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than choice gold. For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it. I wisdom dwell with prudence, and find out knowledge of witty inventions. The fear of the Lord is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate. Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom: I am understanding; I have strength. By me kings reign, and princes decree justice. By me princes rule, and nobles, even all the judges of the earth. I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me. Riches and honour are with me; yea, durable riches and righteousness. My fruit is better than gold, yea, than fine gold; and my revenue than choice silver. I lead in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of judgment: That I may cause those that love me to inherit substance; and I will fill their treasures. - Proverbs 8:10-21