Inestimable Wealth

Sunny Florida? Not so much. We are growing a fine crop of toadstools in our yard. Our lowest humidity level this week has been 97%. No kidding.

This kind of weather makes me want to curl up with a book and just read. I certainly have a nice selection of books waiting for my attention, but the one I just finished is noteworthy. Rich Church, Poor Church by John Muratori is thought-provoking and full of wisdom. I had listened to an interview with the author and my curiosity was heightened enough to order the book.

He starts out with a defense about not ascribing to the “name it and claim it” philosophy and spends time distancing himself from any worldly thought patterns. I certainly believe that God wants to bless us, so I wondered about his emphasis on this until a recent conversation with an acquantance. She called to see if we would be interested in purchasing 40 acres of land she has for sale near us. I indicated that we would love to buy, but right now it just isn't possible. She mentioned that Mr. X. was interested but she didn't want to sell it to him because he’s wealthy. She sounded derisive and critical about that fact (I know him and admire him). I responded by saying, “I aspire to be wealthy, what’s wrong with that?” She was horrified and went on a rant about how money ruins people. Ah – that’s the mental attitude that Muratori’s book addresses!

Let me make note that Muratori is a pastor as well as a recognized authority on organizational management and strategic planning for businesses and ministries. I thought his discourse on the Jewish culture was most enlightening. Despite centuries of persecution, almost to the point of extinction, the Jewish people have always grown to be prosperous and influential in every country they’ve settled in. The author goes into great detail about their adherence to the teachings of the Talmud and their unwavering emphasis on education (historically for both males and females ) and God's money management principles.

I've personally observed that having more money doesn't change who you are, but allows the expression of who you are to be magnified. A jerk on a budget can be a really big jerk if given a lot of money. A generous, kind person can give a larger expression to that with more resources. I believe that true wealth is having enough to accomplish God's purpose for your life, so there is indeed a wide latitude in how money is distributed.

I was challenged and intrigued by this book and highly recommend it. Despite the weighty topic, it's extremely well-written and is enjoyable to read.