The Illusion of Wealth and Poverty
Wealth and poverty are not solely determined by material possessions. Physically, there is no clear line separating the wealthy from the poor. A person driving a luxury car or living in a mansion may appear wealthy, but if they are burdened by debt, stress, or insatiable desires, they are no better off than someone living in a modest home with peace of mind. We live in a world sustained by illusions, where appearances often mask reality. Many who are classified as wealthy are, in fact, as impoverished as those around them. This affirms that wealth and poverty are not solely defined by monetary means; they are distinguished by the disparity between desire and fulfilment.
The more a person focuses on accumulating wealth, the more impoverished they become. This is because the pursuit of material wealth often leads to greed, stress, and a never-ending cycle of desire. Conversely, the more one prioritizes contentment and gratitude, the wealthier one becomes in spirit. True wealth is not about having more but about needing less.
For example, consider two individuals: one is a billionaire constantly chasing the next deal, while the other is a teacher living a modest life but deeply fulfilled by their work. Who is truly wealthier? The answer lies in their state of mind, not their bank accounts.
The Zimbabwean Example
Zimbabwe’s current condition serves as a powerful illustration of this paradox. In a nation grappling with economic challenges, a stingy rich individual surrounded by poverty is as poor as their neighbours. Such a person may have material wealth, but if they are plagued by insatiable desires and a lack of generosity, they are no better off than those they consider impoverished.
True wealth is not about material abundance but about emotional, spiritual, and relational fulfilment. Even those who appear wealthy may feel empty or destitute in non-material ways. For instance, a wealthy businessperson who neglects their family or community may have financial security but lack meaningful relationships or a sense of purpose.
The Standard of True Wealth: Lessons from Jesus
The perfect standard of true wealth was set by Jesus, who lived modestly yet left an enduring legacy. While His contemporaries, who were considered rich, perished with their wealth, Jesus’ teachings continue to inspire billions. His statement, “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth… but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven” (Matthew 6:19-21 NKJV), underscores the transient nature of material wealth and the enduring value of spiritual riches.
Jesus did not glorify poverty; rather, He denounced the insatiable desires that characterize both poverty and greed. When He spoke of the difficulty of a rich man entering the kingdom of heaven, He was addressing the misinformation that equates wealth with fulfillment. The rich young man who clung to his possessions was spiritually impoverished, despite his material abundance. His wealth became a barrier to true fulfillment because it was rooted in selfishness rather than generosity.
The Pitfalls of Materialism and Social Illusions
Materialism and the facades perpetuated by social media distort our understanding of wealth. Platforms like Instagram and Facebook often portray curated versions of reality, where people flaunt luxury cars, designer clothes, and exotic vacations. These images create the illusion that material possessions equate to happiness and success. However, this is far from the truth.
Global challenges like climate change, inequality, and conflict demand our attention more than the pursuit of personal wealth. A person considered wealthy but unaware of these issues risks losing everything. For example, a billionaire who invests in industries contributing to environmental degradation may amass wealth today but face the consequences of a collapsing ecosystem tomorrow. True wealth lies in creating lasting solutions and contributing to the well-being of others.
The Power of Giving
An intriguing phenomenon occurs when individuals focus on giving rather than accumulating: they become wealthier in spirit and impact. This principle is evident in the biblical exhortation: “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35 NKJV). In Zimbabwe, the tendency to prioritize personal wealth over solving others’ problems has contributed to the nation’s impoverishment.
Entrepreneurship, when pursued to add value to the community, is noble. However, when driven solely by monetary gain, it often leads to emptiness. For instance, a businessperson who creates jobs and improves local infrastructure contributes to societal wealth, while one who exploits workers and resources for personal gain may amass wealth but at the cost of their integrity and legacy.
The Value of Legacy
A person’s true worth is measured by the benefits they provide to others, not by their material acquisitions. Comedians, for example, may appear to lead better lives than those who tirelessly chase wealth because the value of the comedians lies in the joy they bring to others. Similarly, an apple tree is nurtured for its fruit; if it fails to produce, it is uprooted. Likewise, individuals who fail to add value to their communities are ultimately forgotten.
Consider the legacy of figures like Nelson Mandela or Mother Teresa. Their wealth was not measured in dollars but in the lives they touched and the positive change they inspired. Their enduring impact demonstrates that true wealth is about contribution, not accumulation.
The Four Principles of Wealth Acquisition
Paul’s warning that “the love of money is the root of all evil” (1 Timothy 6:10) highlights the dangers of prioritizing wealth over integrity. Below are four principles of wealth acquisition, ranked from least to most ethical:
- Robbery and Violence: The most reprehensible method, where individuals harm others for financial gain. For example, armed robbers who target banks or individuals for cash demonstrate a complete disregard for human life.
- Deception: Swindling clients by promising services that cannot be delivered. This includes fraudulent schemes or businesses that exploit customers through false advertising. This is promoted by people who prioritize wealth over integrity.
- Strict Fulfillment of Contracts: Providing only what is agreed upon, with no additional value or friendliness. While legally acceptable, this approach lacks generosity and fails to build trust. In a competitive business environment, such businesses cannot stand longer.
- Exceptional Service: Treating customers with kindness, offering extra value, and ensuring satisfaction. This principle aligns with the golden rule: “Treat others as you would like to be treated.” It is the most sustainable and ethical approach to wealth creation. Most franchising businesses would have set the trend on this principle.
It is worth mentioning that although the fourth principle emphasizes the idea of treating others as one would like to be treated, this does not apply to Christians. Christians are God’s children, whose love is unconditional. Without realizing that there is a difference between a Christian and a person considered good according to the standards of this world, one is in confusion. This is clearly stated in the prophecy provided by Jesus in Matthew 25:32-41. The righteous ones are different from those whom Jesus identifies as His brethren.
Wealth Beyond Materialism
True wealth is not about material possessions but about the positive impact one has on others. A drug peddler may appear wealthy, but their wealth is hollow, as it brings misery to their community. Jesus emphasized the importance of using one’s intellect to evaluate personal worth. An individual’s value is determined by the benefits they provide to others, not by their accumulation of resources. This describes the wealth that lasts longer, as it is known that some businesses last only for a short period, compared to ethical ones.
For example, a philanthropist who donates to education or healthcare creates lasting value, while a miser who hoards wealth contributes nothing to society. The former is truly wealthy, while the latter is spiritually impoverished. When valued by those who later do well in society, the person is remembered even after they long died, like Jesus Christ.
The Path to True Wealth
To restore normalcy, wealth should be measured by how many people benefit from an individual’s existence, not by how many suffer due to their actions. Jesus’ teachings remind us that true wealth lies in sacrificing for the weakest, not in promoting ostentation. Common sense dictates that we consider how we would wish to be treated when addressing the survival of others. In Christianity, the fittest are those who sacrifice for the weakest, embodying the true meaning of common sense.
For instance, a community leader who builds schools and hospitals creates a legacy of wealth, while a corrupt official who embezzles funds leaves a legacy of poverty and suffering. Rather than focus on the negatives, Zimbabweans do well when appreciating commendable works performed by the former colonialists. What has reduced Zimbabwe to its current appalling state is focusing on the negative things by the colonialists, rather than positive inputs.
Conclusion
Wealth is not a matter of material abundance but a state of mind rooted in contentment, generosity, and the desire to add value to others. By prioritizing giving over receiving, we can achieve true wealth and leave a lasting legacy that benefits future generations. As Jesus taught, the treasures we store in heaven far outweigh the fleeting riches of this world.
Andrew Masuku is the author of Dimensions of a New Civilization, laying down standards for uplifting Zimbabwe from the current state of economic depression into a model for other nations worldwide. A decaying tree provides an opportunity for a blossoming sprout. Written from a Christian perspective, the book is a product of inspiration, bringing relief to those having witnessed the strings of unworkable solutions––leading to the current economic and social decay. Most Zimbabweans should find the book as a long-awaited providential oasis of hope, in a simple conversational tone.
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