By Brad Thorp
As a kid growing up in the south Okanagan, I played with a group of boys in our neighborhood when I was a young teenager. Nice guys! Creative! Enthusiastic! Lots of big ideas. And we had loads of fun swimming, jumping our bikes, teasing the girls and just hanging out together. Several of the boys started drinking and smoking. One tried to introduce me to pornography. One night the group (without me) broke into a warehouse and stole stuff. 60 years later, four of these guys are dead: three from alcoholism; one from a sexually transmitted disease. All of these died years ago at early ages.
Another group of friends were some businessmen I have interacted with over the years. One was a successful developer who cursed and swore at me to never mention belief in God to him again. His kids and my kids are more or less the same age. He is dead now. Died prematurely mostly as the result of poor health choices. As far as I know, his three kids do not have happy homes. The other three businessmen have all passed away – largely because of poor lifestyle choices. All four of these men were very successful financially and I suspect each one of them had more money in the bank than I have.
I am 74 and still enjoying my work every day. I have excellent health; I’m married 41 years to my sweetheart; we have a wonderful happy family of our three sons, their beautiful wives and seven grandchildren. I have travelled widely for my work in gospel ministry; and have the love and support of a great church community.
I am not suggesting a “triumphant holier than thou” attitude, but now who is richer?
For the majority of our world, riches are measured by numbers in a bank account. For me, my riches are knowing I am loved and accepted by the most important person in the universe – our great creator God. My riches are my family, my friends, the love and acceptance of my church community – you! My riches are the degree of good health, strength and reduced disability that comes from attempting to follow God’s health plan. My riches are by the grace of God, stored up in heaven. I am a very rich person!
Our situations vary from person to person. But in God’s great economy, each one of us can be very rich! How much would you pay for peace in your heart and to not have guilt? How much would you pay to have friends that aim to be honest and loyal? What is the price tag for acceptance and security of belonging? How much would you pay for better health?
As we come to the end of the year, I want to encourage you to reflect on true riches. Fill your heart with gratitude. You may have a humble home, an old car, and shop at the used clothing store, but you can be richer than a multi-billionaire!
Lets Thank God for Jesus! For His Incarnation. For His life, death, resurrection, and intercession; for the peace He gives us in our hearts; for the ministry of the Holy Spirit, the Angels and the teachings of the Bible. For the Spirit of Prophecy; for our church family; for the Hope of the Second Coming. For knowing there IS life after death. For our family and friends. Wow! The list of our “assets” could go on and on! We are RICH in Jesus!
