| Luke 9:23-24 – “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it.” |
If I’m not studying theology or leadership, it’s financial planning. I find “compound interest,” “bear and bull markets,” “yields,” “markets,” and “diversification” fascinating.
I recently listened to a podcast hosted by two financial advisors who have worked with hundreds, if not thousands, of clients over the last couple of decades. When people ask them, “How much do I need to be wealthy?” they’ve learned to respond, “What’s your number?”
Everyone has their own “number” for what it means to be “wealthy.” Unfortunately, our financial benchmarks are often skewed.
For some, it’s their income. But income may be the worst measurement of all. If someone earns $10 million a year but consistently lives beyond their means, they aren’t wealthy. Income is only a wealth-building tool when it’s accompanied by disciplined behavior.
For others, it’s the amount of liquid cash they can access at any time. While this may be a better measurement than income, cash that isn’t strategically invested loses purchasing power over time because of inflation.
For many, the best measurement of wealth is “net worth.” Net worth is a reasonably reliable indicator, but even that number can be distorted. If someone has significant assets tied up in real estate, they may be financially strong on paper, but real property isn’t particularly helpful when liquidity is desperately needed.
So, back to square one: What is the real measurement of wealth?
It all depends on the eyes of the beholder. That’s why it’s called personal finance. No two people are exactly the same.
But what if someone asked you, “What does it take to be spiritually wealthy?” What would you say? What “number” would you give?
Unlike personal finance, spirituality isn’t subjective. We don’t get to define what “spiritual” means, and therefore, we aren’t qualified to diagnose spiritual wealth. That’s only God’s prerogative.
Yet we live in a world where everyone chooses their own “number.” For some, it might be Bible study. For others, service. Still others point to charity, goodwill, or tithing.
But at the end of the day, only God’s “number” matters.
So, what is God’s “number” for spiritual wealth? What’s His threshold? His minimum?
Jesus’ call in Luke 9 may be the most telling:
“If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it.” (Luke 9:23–24, NIV)
Spiritual wealth is full surrender.
It’s not measured by “options,” “diversification,” “interest,” “liquidity,” or “leverage.” It’s total and complete surrender to the King of Kings.
Anything short of a bowed knee to God’s reign is spiritual poverty.
Invest in your spiritual future. Let the Spirit’s work compound in your life over time. But build wealth God’s way.
Take Up Your Cross.
Deny Yourself.
Follow Jesus Daily.
That’s a wealth-management plan worth following.
- Jacob Hawk
