Wealth has many facets Why are they not always tangible, or in abundance? A particular facet may not exist in abundance, but nonetheless, it may have high value and thus impart wealth to its holder(s). Is it possible to be both “poor” and “wealthy”? Is there some wealth that is not “owned”, but perhaps just momentarily possessed? What is the origin of wealth, both individual and that of a group? There are many associated questions – let’s look for some answers.
Though money is most often associated with wealth, it is a subset of the larger category we call assets. The often-cited trinity of assets is, “time, treasure, and talent”. Assuming we all have some mixture of this triumvirate, how important is our stewardship, thereof? If we are wasting our assets, are we wasting our lives? If we have worked for i.e., earned our assets, are they more valuable than those inherited? Still more questions – where might we find some insight?
Time
We already talked about time with a focus on its existence and how our physical reality is linked to it in the space-time in which we exist. That post ends with, “If time has any value, that value should be associated with what we do with it – let’s not waste it!” That’s the core of its function as an asset. Like any asset, it can be used for either good or evil.
Most people would think they are using their time for good. The truth of that premise is fully a function of one’s worldview. Though time is not a physical asset, we have it for our entire lifetime! If there is a purpose to one’s existence, then wasting time is an issue. Ultimately, one’s worldview determines whether time is either finite and unknown or if time is known to be eternal.
Treasure
One’s treasure can be more than cash or physical assets having a monetary value and some degree of liquidity. Yet money, or the lack of it, can and will impact all aspects of one’s life. Money’s most important effect will be on relationships, both now and into the future. Money and/or relationships will be a significant part of your legacy.
Todd DeKruyter, in “Navigating Life with More Than Enough”, gives both a contemporary and in depth view of the perils associated with money, along with ways for you and others to enjoy your life’s journey. Without a compass and anchor, one is sailing towards a rocky shipwreck, regardless of whether one has earned, inherited, or found the treasure chest. Each person has a variety of abilities that can be used to effectively spend his treasure. Poor choices regarding the treatment of treasure are as bad as no action at all (see below), regardless of one’s ability.
Health
If health is wealth, then I think most would consider that a “priceless” treasure. It’s hard to earn or give much from a sickbed. Health has physical, mental, and spiritual components. It is important to have balance in one’s treasure. Money managers would call this “diversification”. What’s the point of having a great “portfolio”, if one’s worldview sounds something like, “ Get all you can, can all you get, sit on the can, and destroy the rest”?
Is your worldview telling you that a significant portion of your treasure should be earmarked to help others, e.g. family, friends, and neighbors (ref Godonomics or relevant Post). One may be poor in dollars, but rich in spending time caring for the needy. Generosity is a great strategy with assets, regardless of their type or origin. From a Biblical perspective, it produces treasure of all kinds.
Talent
Talent is another priceless asset – from where did it originate? Behavior is the outworking of an individual’s or group’s worldview. In business, the latter is often called the “corporate culture”. The group, however, is still a collection of individuals. Many would say that individual talent is a mixture of genetics, particularly athletic prowess, and hard work, which is a matter of commitment. Unfortunately, any talent (asset) can be wasted. Waste or philanthropy is significantly influenced by one’s background, culture, and experience. These are formative sources of the components of one’s worldview.
One could ascribe the genetic component of talent to worldview as well. Are we descended from apes, or made in the image of our Creator? We can act and treat each other like animals, or we can behave with the grace shown us by our Creator. We can be either self-determinant or accept both His love and grace. One can be enabled to “be all one can be” by taking the option to follow His leading. Whether an individual or a group, one’s value is the outworking of one’s worldview/culture.
