RICHES
BEYOND WEALTH

Topics: Contentment; Joy; Materialism; Meaning; Money; Riches

References: Ecclesiastes 5:10–12; 2 Corinthians 6:10; Philippians 4:11–13

Happiness is not determined by wealth or fame but by character, says Billy Graham in his autobiography Just as I Am. He goes on to say:

Ruth and I had a vivid illustration of this on an island in the Caribbean. One of the wealthiest men in the world asked us to come to his lavish home for lunch. He was 75 years old, and throughout the entire meal he seemed close to tears. “I am the most miserable man in the world,” he said. “Out there is my yacht. I can go anywhere I want to. I have my private plane, my helicopters. I have everything I want to make my life happy, yet I am as miserable as hell.” We prayed with him, trying to point him to Christ, who alone gives lasting meaning to life.

Later that afternoon we met with the pastor of the local Baptist church. He was an Englishman, and he too was 75, a widower who spent most of his time taking care of his two invalid sisters. He was full of enthusiasm and love for Christ and others. “I don’t have two pounds to my name,” he said with a smile, “but I am the happiest man on this island.”

Billy asked Ruth after they left, “Who do you think is the richer man?” She didn’t have to reply, because they both already knew the answer.

—Billy Graham, Just as I Am (HarperCollins, 1999)