Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. 1 Timothy 6:9-10
“I am not a wealthy man, and I will never be a wealthy man. This statement arises not from an inability to generate wealth. In fact, my various professional endeavors have well-recognized income-generating abilities. It is not that I am unable to be wealthy, but rather I am unwilling to be wealthy. Why would I wish to fall into a trap, be plunged into ruin and destruction, be pierced with many griefs and risk wandering from the faith?
In my own heart, where these things must ultimately be decided, I feel deeply the words of the apostle John: “If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him?” That particular verse has dwelt with Linda in a closely bound friendship since her college days. Additionally, we are convicted by the example of John Wesley, who said, “If I leave behind me ten pounds for which I have no use, I am a thief and a robber.” It just seems to me that according to the investment firm of John and John, we should keep our needs low, our generosity high, and our expectations heavenward.
We only buy older cars and seldom buy new clothes. We eat simply, and Linda bakes almost daily. She cuts my hair. I don’t own a suit and even though traveling and speaking around the nation and the world, I get by with one sport coat. We cut and burn wood to supplement our gas furnace without central air conditioning. We often buy used books. Our fishing boat is 1950s vintage. Yet we have a rich and fulfilling life in every way.”
Richard Swenson in Margin: Restoring Emotional, Physical, Financial, and Time Reserves to Overloaded Lives (Colorado Springs: NavPress, 2004) 136-137.
I too feel like my life is rich and fulfilling. Even more so over the past two days thanks to the many people who have expressed warm birthday greetings to me while I have been and remain Down Under.
At dinner with Gary Williams and Peter Murphy on my birthday, both talked about this book so that spurred me to share this classic section from it, entitled, “The Investment firm of John and John.” My favorite line pertaining to financial wealth: “It is not that I am unable to be wealthy, but rather I am unwilling to be wealthy.” That sentiment is spot on with the biblical text and what Jenni and I have experienced. My wife also cuts my hair. We too buy older cars. She’s likely baking something delicious today. I only wish we had a wood-burning fireplace, though I will take my fly rods over any fishing boat!
Let’s resolve to be rich not in finances but in the things money can’t buy. Today and tomorrow I facilitate a retreat for 25 Christian Super staff members and their families. Pray with me that they grasp this.