The Meaning of True Wealth

The Meaning of True Wealth

Growing up, I struggled very hard to understand why the Apostle Paul  said these words to the church of his time, "so if we (humans) have food and clothing, let us be content (happy) with that"
(1 Timothy 6:8) 

I struggled because I thought the learned apostle was being selfish here in telling Christians and everyone actually not to chase after other human desires, and that having food and clothing is enough to get us by on earth. I thought .. how selfish a statement is that?  You have forsaken all your pleasures and wealth to follow Jesus Christ through and through, but then why would you compel (force) others to do same if it is not from their own will?
Childish thoughts have childish reasoning. But as I grew older, and having spent larger part of my childhood in and out of hospitals, from orthopaedic surgery rooms A to different orthopaedic surgery B in another country, this statement began to make more sense to me everyday.

Here is why....
We all somewhat believe money provides answers to almost all the problems in this world right? It truly does. Doesn't it? But remember I said almost, meaning not everything.
For instance, you can buy or build a grande mansion with money or material wealth, but you can never be guaranteed to have a good home or great family for that matter.

You can buy the most expensive Rolex watch in the world with money, but you cannot ask time to stop, tick slowly or faster for you just because you have an expensive Rolex on your wrist. Time will do its work as it is assigned to do.

Likewise, you cannot buy good sleep and a peace of mind, just because you have an orthopaedic massage bed in your bedroom with your money. You have to work hard to get your peace of mind and have a good sleep too. Any nocturnal like myself will understand the importance of good sleep.

You can get a beautiful wife, a handsome husband but you may not know peace

So can you have a rich powerful and a supportive husband or wife but not intimacy because they may not always be there for you when you need them. Because they are always working hard to keep up your expectations.

True wealth is not really about money or material things. True wealth is a common sense blend of money, good health and the maturity to understand and appreciate the little things of life always.

Kwame Sarpong
Freelance Writer
VPE Kumasi Toastmasters