I was watching a movie this morning on TV named “For Richer or Poorer” about a rich, married couple on the brink of divorce. They owned a fine home, several real estate properties, expensive cars and clothing and lived the typical wealthy lifestyle. However, they found themselves owing millions of dollars to the IRS due to a corrupt accountant. The couple fled a couple IRS agents and ended up in an Amish community where life is all about simplicity. The Amish value simplicity and self-denial over comfort, convenience and leisure.
A Humbling Experience
Naturally, at the beginning of this experience, they hated it because they were far removed from the comfort of their “things.” The community didn’t have flashy cars, their clothes were made of rags, they didn’t dine in expensive restaurants and didn’t care for the conveniences prevalent outside of their community. Their home was simple without the decor and design that the wealthy couple were accustomed too.
Slowly and day by day something funny happened; the more they spent time in this community they realized it really doesn’t take much to be fulfilled. The wife had meaningful conversations with the other women while cooking, scrubbing floors and doing other household chores. Through the process she began to build character while developing the spirit of a finisher. Prior to this experience, she never finished any of the tasks she started The husband, who was very successful with the company he built, was reminded of the fulfillment of helping someone without the promise of a payment attached to it.
The experience also saved their marriage. They had come to a place in their marriage of continuos arguing and fighting. They had become more concerned about “stuff” and less concerned about their relationship with each other. They both admitted they were different people and realized they had lost themselves in all their money, flashy cars, expensive homes and designer clothes.
The Attitude of Simplicity
I wouldn’t say to truly be fulfilled you have to completely adapt the attitudes and customs of the Amish community but it’s a good place to start. The bible says to be careful because “…real life is not measured by how much we own.” (Luke 12:15) When we begin to base our life and our success on what we possess we have completely missed out on the “true riches” that life offers. Advertisers will spend millions of dollars telling you to buy more and own more and you will be much happier or more fulfilled but you will soon find out like the couple in the movie that “things” will never truly satisfy you. It’s not healthy to seek wealth only to enrich yourself without consideration for the needs of others.
The True Riches
What is the makeup of a fulfilled life? It’s not a one-time event that happens but it’s a process of continuous gratefulness and contentment for what you have until God gives you more. For some it’s the laughter of friends, for others it’s a walk in the park with their soul mate. Some find it in the birth of their child and seeing them grow year by year, others find it in watching the sun set or sitting on the lake fishing with family. True riches are found in positive relationships with family and friends. For richer or poorer we all should seek true riches in the peace, love and tranquility of God. Our relationship with Him is more important than our bank accounts and possessions.
So while we advance in our net worth, careers, bank accounts, wealth building and possessions let us not forget that our true riches are in our stewardship, obedience and relationship with Jesus Christ. How do you stay humble as you prosper in your finances? By continously reminding yourself that God is the reason for your success.”
Posted by carmoncents 
Posted by carmoncents 
Posted by carmoncents 
