How Wealthy Are You Really?
Some cities are known for their "new money"—places like Houston, where much of the wealth has been created in recent generations. Others are known for "old money"—places like Boston, where wealth has often been passed down through families for generations.
People tend to approach money differently as well. Some are excellent at saving and investing what they already have. Others are especially gifted at creating new wealth.
The Kingdom of God invites us to think about wealth in a completely different way. Our greatest riches aren't found in bank accounts, but in people and relationships.
Even so, the idea of "new money" and "old money" still applies.
Some people are relationally poor because they have very few meaningful relationships. Others do a wonderful job of preserving and deepening long-standing friendships but rarely invest in new ones. Still others love meeting new people and quickly form new connections, yet struggle to maintain the friendships they've had for years.
A friend recently reminded me of the old saying:
"Make new friends, but keep the old; one is silver and the other gold."
That simple rhyme contains a great deal of wisdom.
Making friends and keeping friends is one of life's greatest investments.
How's your relational portfolio these days?
Jesus concluded one of His most surprising parables by saying,
"I tell you, use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings." (Luke 16:9)
Jesus wasn't telling us to buy friendships. He was reminding us that the things of this world are temporary, but people are eternal. God calls us to intentionally invest in relationships because they have lasting Kingdom significance.
So now what?
1. Are you weak at maintaining relationships?
Perhaps it's time to see this as an important part of your calling. Make a list of the people you would consider friends. Some of them may not even realize you think of them that way. Ask the Lord if there are one or two people He would have you intentionally reconnect with. Give them a call, write them a note, or invite them to lunch or coffee. Small acts of intentionality often breathe new life into old friendships.
2. Are you weak at developing new relationships?
New friendships rarely happen by accident. Someone usually has to make the first move. If not you, then who?
Think about people you already know—but would like to know better. What is one small next step you could take? Pray about it, then take the risk. Most of the time, it isn't nearly as intimidating as we imagine.
3. Not sure where to start?
Maybe you don't feel like you have many friends at all.
Jesus' conversation with the religious expert in Luke 10:25 and following offers a wonderful place to begin. Through the story of the Good Samaritan, Jesus teaches that instead of asking, "Who is my neighbor?" we should ask, "How can I be a neighbor?"
In other words, if you're not sure who your friends are, begin by being a friend. Choose kindness. Show interest. Offer help. Extend hospitality. Be willing to love, even when it's inconvenient or a little uncomfortable.
If you become a friend, you'll discover that, over time, you'll also gain friends.
The richest people in God's Kingdom aren't those with the largest bank accounts, but those who have faithfully invested their lives in loving God and loving people.
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