Everywhere I look I find a “richest list of” roster with details on the individuals. You find specials on TV, leading stories in local papers, and even a highlight on the evening news. It is as if the answers t life perplexing problems or the source of true wisdom, knowledge, and happiness is found somewhere on the list. If only one was to discover just which person had the keys, everything would be ok.
I wonder. Does the rate of divorce change with wealth; probably? Is this the place one will find the model relationships? Not really. Are kids automatically successful because of their parents? No! Do the rich provide the answers for those in pain, fighting poverty, or struggling with self-esteem? Not so far. How about healthy lifestyles? Do they represent holistic experiences and behavior? Can we find spiritual giants?
Ironically, if one looks to those struggling with life there is a much greater chance that one will find answers. “Wealth attracts friends as honey draws flies, but poor people are avoided like a plague.” (Proverbs 19.4) The results are that we miss the very source where God is at work most often. Who is looking for God? More who are poor than who are rich. What drives people to God? Often people talk about finding God in the midst of their pain and struggle. Their openness to any solution as a result of the bad things going on in and around their life drove them to seek real answers. The only answer they found in this storm came through God’s mercy, compassion, and Presence.
People review, study, and extract lessons of success from the rich. Major stars have their groupies who cling for life itself. Solomon reminds us that the attraction is not necessarily the right indicator if we are really looking for answers. The poor, those facing the greatest struggles in life, and the weak often have the most to share.
Are you looking to grow, to learn from others? Answers and models are there to be found in life. Are you looking?
