Saturday, August 05, 2006

Wealth or Wellbeing?

I have been thinking of the concept of the gift of financial wellbeing, which I think is different from finanical wealth, or the common concepts of financial independence, financial security or financial freedom, although I am sure there are overlapping between these ideas.

In the sinful nature of humanity, greed and selfishness is a disease that grips the hearts of many people. We live in an age that tells us that happiness can be found in what we possess and therefore "the more we possess the happier we will be". For many people financial wealth is the goal. Personally, I think our lives are not determined by what we possess but by what we give away, which determines our happiness.

Financial wellbeing, rather than financial wealth, should be the goal. The goal to achieve financial wealth is often based on fear and discontentment, and financial wellbeing is based on generosity and joy. Financial wealth is a grasping, clenched fist, while financial wellbeing is an open generous hand.

Financial wellbeing is not found in the amount of money we have or don't have, the goods we own, the income stream we can achieve or the shares we invest. Rich or poor alike need to receive the gift of being generous like God. It is obtaining the God given desire to be generous and the power to fulfill that desire as we give to others.

For God so loved the world that He sent His only son that whoever believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16).

20 comments:

audrey` said...

It's more blessed to give :)

I should say that happiness and good health are the greatest and most invaluable wealth on earth.

Anonymous said...

we can be happier when we give. that is so true. i'm speaking from experience.

God bless.

Kitty Cheng said...

Audrey, surely it's more blessed to give than to receive.

Kitty Cheng said...

Pia, yes I feel exactly the same. Giving makes us happy!

Matthew Celestine said...

Good thoughts.

Kitty Cheng said...

Thanks Matthew. I pray that I can achieve financial wellbeing in His grace.

Corry said...

I would love to be financially in a great shape, so I could use it to help people. I would provide the rod so they can learn how to fish themselves:-)

However, I think giving love, no matter what, results in fullfillment, happiness and wellbeing.

God's Grace.

Amanda Hunt said...

Hi Kitty, I emailed your hotmail address about our brochures. : )

Kitty Cheng said...

Oh Amanda, I don't have a hotmail adress. Can you send it to my optus address please? Thanks! :)

Kc said...

I can't help but think of the widow's mite. Great post. ;-)

Michael said...

Thank God for goodwill, and loving charity, that we all may spread; even in the smallest measure

audrey` said...

Yeah!
A little love makes a big difference :)

Kitty Cheng said...

Corry, I agree that if we are financially in a great shape, we can help people. I like the idea of providing the rod so people can learn how to fish :)

Kitty Cheng said...

Kc, the widow's mite? Do you mean the widow who gave all her money away?

Kitty Cheng said...

Bruce, yes goodwill and loving charity come from God. Let's spread it to the world!

Kitty Cheng said...

Audrey, amen! love does make a difference :)

Gordon said...

This is a good distinction you have drawn here. You have a very nice blog. Thanks also for visiting mine.

Kc said...

Yes sis. She was better off financially than all others who had given. ;-)

Kitty Cheng said...

Gordon, thanks for visiting my blog. Let's keep in touch.

Kitty Cheng said...

Hi Kc, I agree with you. ;-)