Are You Wealthy?

"Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life."  1 Timothy 6:17-19


     Are you wealthy?  This years tax season is coming to an end.  As usual I waited until the very last moment possible to file, because I never seem to have much money come tax time and I am always afraid I will owe.   So yes, I was contemplating the depth of my funds.   But then God just spoke to me...  He told me that I don't need to worry about the depth of my funds because I just needed to trust that He will provide.  He also showed me that I actually have more than enough of what I need.   And He showed me what "wealth" really is... and guess what... I am wealthy.
       Wealth is not necessarily related to money or possessions.   Wealth is however, directly related to what we have, more specifically to what we have been given.    Wealth is a gift from God.   Wealth is whatever God has blessed you with that you can use to help others.  It can be a skill, a talent, or a trade.  It can be compassion, or understanding, or an ability to teach.  It can be the ability to care about others.  Wealth is what God gave you that allows you to hold someones hand as they go through a hard time, or to let you know to send out a card to someone to let them know that you were thinking about them.  Wealth is also the talent to be able to cook a good meal for someone who needs it, or the skill to repair a roof, or fix a car.   Wealth is when God allows you the time and the opportunity to be there for others when they need your help.  Of course it is also when you have some belongings or possessions that you find can better serve someone else.
         We always knew that money couldn't buy happiness.   Even classic stories like the Christmas Classic  "A Christmas Carol" really spell that out pretty clearly.  That story was about a rich old man who was living a miserable life, it goes on to show how he finds that his poorly treated employee is enjoying real joy.  The employee, who really has a hard time making ends meet, is living much happier life than the employer is.   That happiness can't be bought.  
         If as the saying goes "Jesus is all I need", and "The joy of the Lord is mine"  then wow! I have that!  Too cool.   I also have many things that the Lord has blessed me with.  Talents and skills that I am able to use to help others.   I couldn't do it without God's blessing.   And I am so very thankful for the talents that my friends use to bless me.   See it's a community of people whom have each been given different gifts.  And all of these gifts come together to help all us to have all that we need.  How could we ask for more?   It's got to make you wonder...
         Dear Lord, thanks for all You have done for me, for all you have given me.  And thanks for allowing me to use what You have given me for others.  And thanks for how You allow others to do do the same.   Please help us all to be more thankful for all You do.   And please continue to show us how we can better serve You by serving Yours.