I think a lot about wealth and its propensity to ruin/corrupt people. The accumulation of wealth is not inherently bad (as long as done ethically) and I know a great number of very wealthy people who do soooo much good in the world. They are who I look to in navigating wealth. Unfortunately I also know people who fall into the other category. It seems to me that more often than not, beyond basic needs being met (think Maslows hierarchy of needs), that there is an inverse relationship between wealth and true lasting happiness. Frequently, wealth beyond a certain point creates pride in the heart of the individual and tends to move their focus away from the things that really matter in life: God/respect for a higher power, love, charity, service, family, friends, relationships in general etc. and instead replaces those things with an insatiable desire to have more material stuff or social status or power, all of which will ultimately fail you. Pondering on this made me think of this awesome quote from Brigham Young: The worst fear I have about this people is that they will get rich in this country, forget God and His people, wax fat, and kick themselves out of the Church and go to hell. This people will stand mobbing, robbing, poverty, and all manner of persecution and be true. But my greatest fear is that they cannot stand wealth. And then this morning during my scripture study I read these passages in 3 Nephi, 12-15: And the people began to be distinguished by ranks, according to their riches and their chances for learning; yea, some were ignorant because of their poverty, and others did receive great learning because of their riches. Some were lifted up in pride, and others were exceedingly humble...Now the cause of this iniquity of the people was this—Satan had great power, unto the stirring up of the people to do all manner of iniquity, and to the puffing them up with pride, tempting them to seek for power, and authority, and riches, and the vain things of the world. Despite being currently poor by this countrys standards (we live a basement apt, rarely eat out, never see movies in theatres, penny pinch to make due etc.), I know that Jess and I are indeed very wealthy compared to most of our brothers and sisters around the world (and for the record we are very happy with our life and have no complaints! :) ). But because I know more wealth is inevitable in our lifetime, I try to constantly keep all of this in the forefront of my mind. I know that very few people can successfully remain humble when given power and or money, but it is possible, and I intend to do it and then use that power and money for good! :) So heres my take away for all my friends out there today: I dont want to, nor do I want to see any of you get rich in this country, forget God and His people, wax fat, and kick [ourselves] out of the Church [of God] and go to hell, so lets do a self evaluation and no matter the level of wealth we accumulate in this life, lets help each other and work together to stay focused on those things that really matter and bring true lasting happiness in life including: God/respect for a higher power, love, charity, service, family, friends, relationships in general etc. Deal??
Posted on: Wed, 12 Nov 2014 17:28:51 +0000
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