Oasis logo
Credit: DH Illustration
A friend requested Alexander the Great for money he urgently needed. He asked for just 10 talents of money (a unit of currency used in ancient times). Alexander had 50 talents delivered to him. The man returned it saying, “Ten talents would be sufficient for me.” Alexander happily replied, “Ten are sufficient for you to take, but not sufficient for me to give.”
We hold on to wealth and even people and as securities and insurances that promise long-term happiness. Real happiness that outsiders offer is conditioned. Real happiness is an inside job.
Often in life we feel discontent, unhappy, not because we lack something but because we covet and want to measure up to the possessions of others or get so obsessed with what we have and don’t feel like sharing with those in need.
The 71-year-old Bertha Adams from Florida, begged for food from neighbours’ back doors and clothes from the Salvation Army. Her death report read “Cause of death: Malnutrition.” State authorities described her home as “a veritable pigpen, in total disarray.” They were shocked to find two keys leading to bank lockers containing a total of 700 stock certificates and bonds, solid financial securities and stacks of cash totalling $800,000! When you tame your mind to be happy, even little is enough.
A fisherman was relaxing on his boat by the seashore. A businessman walked-by and asked “Hey! aren’t you going fishing?” The fisherman replied “I’ve caught enough fish for today”.
“But look” said the businessman “You can go fish for more. With more catch, you can make more money, buy bigger boats, bigger fishing nets, hire people and even start a fisheries company !”
The fisherman patiently listened, smiled and asked, “And after doing all this, what next?”
“You can become The Boss, just sit back, relax and enjoy life!” exclaimed the businessman. “And..sir, what do you think I am doing right now?” the fisherman said, as he reclined back gently on his little boat.
Jesus cautions, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth... rather store-up treasures in heaven” (Mathew 6:19-24); he advised “seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness and all these things will be added unto you” (Mathew 6:33). The kingdom of God epitomises love, joy, peace and serenity that money can’t buy.
Are you Kingdom-wise or Earthly-wise?