WHO IS RICH?

November 2019 | Cheshvan - Kislev 5780 | Volume 14 Issue 11

“Who is rich? Those who are happy with their portion” ~Babylonian Talmud, Shabbat 32a Being truly joyful or happy with one’s lot in life is wise advice. It is a wonderful way to live, but how easy is it to adopt this attitude? How many of us are truly satisfied with our portion? How do we recognize our own good fortune? All around us advertisers bombard us with goods and services we “need”. Our world is characterized by material acquisitions and to paraphrase a popular game show, “who wouldn’t want to be a millionaire”? This obsession with our “needs” is not just a contemporary concern. Solomon Ibn Gabirol, an 11th century Spanish poet-philosopher taught, “Who seeks more than needs, hinders himself from enjoying what he has. Seek what you need and give up what you need not. For in giving up what you don’t need, you’ll learn what you really need.” Being content with one’s portion is an age-old Jewish concern. In the book of Proverbs we read, “A joyful heart makes a cheerful face; a sad heart makes a despondent mood. All the days of a poor person are wretched, but contentment is a feast without end.” ~Proverbs 15:13, 15. So why is it so hard for most to accept ourselves as the Holy One created us? How is it so easy to lose focus on our blessings and become obsessed with wanting more? Why do we become restless, irritated, angry, hurt, or judgmental? In order to be content with what you have, take some time to become aware of what you already have. Take a moment to look, really look, at your surroundings. Take an inventory of your blessings. Once you become aware of what you already have, then you will begin to cultivate greater acceptance of yourself, your situations, and others. The simple meaning of contentment is being satisfied with what you have and who you are—right now! Paul writes in Philippians 4:11-13, “I am not saying this because I am in need—for whatever circumstance I am in, I have learned to be content. I know what it is to live with humble means, and I know what it is to live in prosperity. In any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of contentment—both to be filled and to go hungry, to have abundance and to suffer need. I can do all things through Messiah who strengthens me.” Paul writes this while in prison. He’d been beaten and betrayed, but despite all this, Paul expresses joy and appreciation. Contentment comes from within. Knowing that through our relationship with Messiah Yeshua we can be truly content. Contentment cannot be found in things, people, or money. When your circumstances seem grim ask The Holy One what He wants you to learn. Then, you must be teachable, flexible, and have a willingness to change. For the Holy One’s desire is to make us into a spotless bride for the ultimate Bridegroom-King. Who is Rich? “Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, so we cannot take anything out of it. But having food and clothing, with these things we shall be content. But those who want to be rich fall into temptation and a trap and many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil—some, longing for it, have gone astray from the faith and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. But you, O man of G-d, flee from these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faithfulness, love, perseverance, and gentleness. Fight the good fight of faith! Take hold of the eternal life—you were called to it…” ~1 Timothy 6:5-12