Nothin' Wrong with Wealth

Is money that evil?

I remember when I was a child. I used to read Richie Rich comic books. I even watched his animated TV series back in those days.

For those not familiar with him, Richie Rich is the son of unbelievably wealthy parents, who live in a mansion at Richville, and is considered the world's richest kid.

Richie Rich and his family almost has everything a wealthy family could possibly have - a big mansion, a number of pools, cars, high-end appliances, even butlers who serve him from morning till night. He even has a dalmatian which has dollar signs on it instead of spots!

The Poor Little Rich Boy doesn't look evil to me.

While many would comment about the exaggeration of a life that Richie Rich has, there may sometimes be envy among those who want to be like Richie Rich. Maybe his fortunes are just too great enough to think that having all those can be an indicator that not everyone is privileged to have such wealth.

Or maybe it's because... Richie Rich has been negatively stereotyped to be a bad example of having wealth.

In short, getting rich can be as evil as other people thought it would be.

No wonder he is the Poor Little Rich Boy

In fact, despite the negativity the character gets for being so wealthy, Richie Rich is portrayed as a kind-hearted and charitable to the people in need. Maybe at first you think this kid is one spoiled brat who can just talk to whatever he wants - like he has a genie friend in his bedroom. But deep inside him, Richie has a very generous heart that he wants to let his friends enjoy the life that he has and help those in need.

Even in the picture above, he reaches out to hand out money to an unknown recipient instead of keeping it to himself.

True enough, the very young Richie Rich is truly someone that counters the question "is money evil?"

There is a purpose for wealth

If money is evil, why is Richie Rich happily reaching out to his friends in need and being a generous lad?

If getting rich is evil, why do his friends keep hanging out with Richie Rich even when human instinct tells us to avoid evil at all times?

Money is not at all evil. So is wealth. It is how a person deals with both matters that can determine the difference with the good and bad.

Friend, there are two approaches to wealth.

When you use your hard earned money for yourself and not for the better of your family, friends, or the community, it means that money has become your master.

However, when you use your money and wealth for God's glory, through service and a purpose to create a better world, that's where you utilize your money for the good.

No wonder it amazes me about how Richie Rich can be so generous and kind enough for a kid to give out a helping hand to anyone who needs his help.

Outside of unrealistic animation, several people have shown themselves to be wealthy and generous in their own ways.

• Bo Sanchez is already considered wealthy, and he still sets aside money for the development of his non-profit organizations and charity foundations.
• The Microsoft genius Bill Gates was once hailed the richest in the world. But giving his money away for scientific research and to several charitable institutions makes him a big heart to serve the world
• Warren Buffet, one of the great investors of our time who amassed a great fortune from it, has no problem giving away his money for the good of several charities.
• Oprah Winfrey, well known for her success in a regular talk show and made a fortune out of it, happily gives out gifts to her audience and donates a sum of her wealth to those in need in any way possible.

There so many names to mention when it comes to wealthy individuals doing philanthropic work. But there is one common denominator among all of them: their purpose for wealth is service.

With genuine and authentic hearts, these people used their wealth not only for themselves, but also for sharing to the world.

As God has rewarded us with so much blessings than burdens, we must never forget about our call to serve and give back to Him and to the community.

When you do give back with love, God will truly notice it and He won't hesitate to unleash the blessings you deserve.

Today's chapter on The Purpose Driven Life that I'm currently reading says it all:

When Jesus is your Master, money serves you, but if money is your master, you become its slave. Wealth is certainly not a sin, but failing to use it for God's glory is.

Fulfill the true purpose of wealth in your life. I've been doing so for quite some time now; it's really great how God can bless you in so many ways. Go on and continue to be a blessing, as more blessings will eventually come to you from Him. Cheers!