We will in the next four postings deal with a matter that’s been raised by several of our readers. The dictionary defines wealth as the abundance of valuable possessions or money; an accumulation of valuable economic resources measured in terms of real goods (house, land, cattle etc) or monetary value.

The dictionary shows its centre of gravity by defining 4 types of wealth, ignorantly leaving out the fifth and most important one, spiritual wealth! Below is the enhanced list:

• Financial wealth (money)
• Social wealth (status)
• Time wealth (freedom)
• Physical wealth (health)
• Spiritual wealth (Christ)

A technical classification states as follows concerning the definition of wealth:

• Personal property, including homes, cars
• Monetary savings such as accumulation of past income
• Capital wealth of income producing assets, including real estate, stocks, bonds and businesses.

Finally, and from the Bible point of view there is a boundary condition, the adequacy of physical possessions to live and flourish as one under God’s instruction of holy living.

Biblical wealth has its source in God; belongs to God, honours God and is a blessing from God (Genesis 13:1,2; Genesis 24:1; Ephesians 3:20; Deuteronomy 8:18).

There is Satanic wealth, that is recognised as an antithesis, in uses that are the exact opposite of biblical wealth’s uses. With these in contrast, be instructed, be wise, bearing in mind that Proverbs 10:15 is a warning. If your strong city is your wealth, what happens when it is touched or gone? You are left exposed, defenceless and vulnerable to all arising situations. Please consider the wise counsel recorded in Proverbs 11:28, Ecclesiastes 5:14 and 1 Timothy 6:17-19.

He that trusteth in his riches shall fall; but the righteous shall flourish as a branch. Proverbs 11:28

Money is put into risky investments that turn sour, and everything is lost. In the end, there is nothing left to pass on to one’s children. Ecclesiastes 5:14 (NLT)

Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; that they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life. 1 Timothy 6:17-19

Be wise, your greatest wealth is God, seek Him, love Him, obey Him. Part of the benefit of obedience is described in Proverbs 14:23 and results in the activation of Deuteronomy 8:18. We will deal with the latter scripture in our next posting. Of a necessity, we must live by the admonition of my Saviour in Matthew 6:19-24 and Luke 16:1-15. Selah.



Pastor Afolabi Oladele