Quotes on Wealth

Wealth is the substance in you, it's the people that care for you and that you care for, it is experiences had and perspective acquired. - Andy Dunn

I came across this quote while reading a set of blogs in preparation for work today.  In addition the quote above, the author, Andy Dunn included a number of other interesting reflection points.  

On true wealth:

Dunn discussed how easy it was to miss the reality of true wealth when placed up against the backdrop of a society concerned with getting, having and keeping.  The quote above stood out for me as I continue to wrestle, cry, pray, daydream, and struggle against the constant threat of debt, the lure of wealth, and the lusts of worldly treasures and trappings of life.

Earlier today I began to pray that I could escape the trap of equating happiness, security, and joy with being debt free.  I also prayed that I would begin making and taking the small steps towards victory by praying instead of daydreaming, quoting scripture instead of trying to put together some impossible scenario of stock quotes, windfalls and settlements.  The quote and blog were refreshing affirmations of my morning prayer to trust in God and not material wealth.

As I write, I am also trying desperately to crystallize the rest of the blog with my own thoughts and mark down insights that will help me in my journey of victory.  So far, here is what I was able to come away with; a couple of quotes and new points of thought.

On stability (passing on dreams for stable income):

Stability gives you a constant paycheck, health insurance, a house, food, clothes, a car, and perhaps a conversation piece about where you work, but it costs you much more.  In order to gain stability we are often forced to give up our dreams, and sometimes even our faith in God.  We stop short of starting our own company, or loose trust in our Eternal Provider in exchange for the routine and "certainty" of payroll on the 1st and 15th.  Sometimes we give up the opportunity to see and experience new and exciting miracles and adventures.

The truth is these things only masquerade as provision and stability.

Stability's real cost isn't financial loss, but spiritual. - Andy Dunn

On risks not taken:
Dunn mentions that the true risk is not in taking the risk, but in not taking one.  

The risk not taken is more dangerous than the risk taken. - Andy Dunn

If we took a risk and failed it is learning.  We can go forward with more insight and wisdom, or make a wise choice to abandon that idea due to new learning and insight.  If we fail at "it" we are not failures, but learners who now have a better chance for success and a new opportunity to do it all over again, right!

However, when we fail to try, fail to take a risk then we are really on dangerous ground.  When we fail to take a risk at all, then we loose out on learning, adventure, opportunity and a moment in which God may do what we never could have imagined.  If we fail to even dare to try then we gain despair, disappointment and grief over what could have been - even more than if we had tried and failed.

More and more I realized that what this blog said resonated with me because it brought back the words that I have been studying for the last few days.  It brought back to my mind the verses that I was led to use to combat my enemy and progress towards victory over ignorance and unfaithfulness.

What Dunn brings to mind are the words of Jesus as he teaches about treasures on earth versus those in heaven.  

Jesus said in Matthew 6:19-21:

Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.  For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

God, help me to remember that the true loss is not in losing our possessions, wealth, home, or status.  Instead, the true loss is in keeping, having and fighting for these earthly things and having nothing else of value in eternity.  The true loss in life is not in the losing or giving up of wealth.  Instead the real tragedy and loss in life lies in giving up true and abundant life for a few trinkets of 'now' that will be marked down and 3 for $1 at a next year's yard sale.

So, what risk am I not taking?  How will this change my definition of wealth and what it means to live?

What risk are you not taking?  How will this change your definition of wealth and what it means for you to live?

With love (& in triumph),

Cassius