Is money the true measure of prosperity?

No

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by Mark G. Sullivan

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Prosperity takes on a different meaning now that I've reached the "new 40" - actually my later 50's. No longer does the word generate images of material goods or a hefty bank account. Yet my point of view certainly does not carry the day for others. Their definition could be more on the line of success and achievement that garner the rewards of substance.

Recently, while talking with a young coworker (all of twenty-eight), she expressed her thoughts of success. Not surprising, the majority of her measurements were material-based. Nice car along with a home, plus the ability to travel topped the list. No thought was given to savings, "I have lots of years to do that."

When asked about her faith or participation in church activities she hesitated, and then responded strongly, "It's not that I haven't thought about becoming as involved as when I was growing up, but the need just isn't there." She went on to say, "My worries of maintaining a job while enjoying life just doesn't leave room for much else."

Her comments took me back thirty plus years when reality set in for me. The lifestyle of college had ended. There was a need to find a job that would pay the bills with hopefully a little extra. Friends from school were in the same position, slowly moving into mainstream life, as responsibility became a full-time commitment.

Within a couple of years, the love of my life became my wife. The two of us, not wanting to waste any time, soon had the patter of little feet following us throughout the house. We became immersed in everyday living while both worked to provide for our young children. We struggled at times to meet their needs, for ours as parents had become secondary. Still, we forged ahead, never allowing money to rob us of the sense of family.

During those years, the church and faith community were an integral part of life's puzzle. This rock was a stabilizing force in both peaceful and turbulent days of growth. As the children experimented with pushing our buttons, we as parents learned more about each other as stresses pulled from many directions. In the end, our faith was the glue that bound us as a loving and caring family.

The kids have since moved on to lives of their own. Now a commitment to service through volunteering has become an integral part of my life. Seeing firsthand the needs of others, then in some small way alleviating their pain gives a completely new meaning to success.

Returning to our conversation, I left these parting thoughts with my friend. As you grow in years, you will realize money has nothing to do with prosperity. No, if given the opportunity to have children, the time spent guiding and growing with them has no measure of wealth, yet is richly rewarding.

Prosperity through faith results in an abundance of riches feeding the soul. Having a faith community in one's life, supporting each member as they work towards a better understanding of their God, is wealth in itself.

Finally, my friend, if you are really interested in becoming prosperous, then volunteer to help others get a step up in life. The satisfaction received while making a difference to those less fortunate brings wealth with no bounds.

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