How Do You Measure Wealth?

Luke 12:15 (NIV)

Then he said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.”

Stanley Kresge was born on June 11, 1900 in Detroit, Michigan. He graduated from Albion College in 1923 and went to work for his father's company, the . The S.S. Kresge Company later changed its name to K-Mart. For much of his entire life, Stanley Kresge was very wealthy man. But he was not spoiled by his inherited wealth. He was a Christian philanthropist who maximized that fortune. During his lifetime he gave away hundreds of millions of dollars to others, and especially to his church. When he died in Detroit at the age of 85, his pastor said this in the eulogy: "He considered what he had as a trust from God, and that he was a steward of all that God had given to him." Before his death, Kresge told a newspaper reporter why he never let it be known how much of his personal fortune he had given away. He said, "I'd be embarrassed to have anybody think I was bragging about charity." But quietly and consistently, all of his check payments and charitable contributions were signed exactly the same way: "In the name and for the sake of Jesus Christ, Stanley S. Kresge."

We come into and leave this world with no material possessions. The only true measure of wealth is our ability to praise the Lord throughout our life.

Are you going through difficult financial times? Turn to God.

Dear Lord, help us be content with what we have and always take the time to praise You.  Help us remember that what we have is from You.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.