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  • Giving, Happiness, Insights, Laws, Life, Money, Purpose, Success Principles, Wealth

The Why of Wealth

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There are days (a lot of days these days) when I lie down and ask myself what is really the most important thing in life. What really is worth one’s energies? Is it pleasure? Money? Impact? Wisdom? “ki la n le gan gan?” I have analysed it from a philosophical point of view, I have read the views of Aristotle – who rationalized from the need for pleasure, the desire for glory and the search for knowledge. Aristotle came to a point where according to him, the most important thing in life is the contemplative life. In the Nichomachean Ethics, Aristotle analyzes the quest of all life falls on the planes of a search for pleasurable, political or contemplative. He analyzes that all life is lived for some higher purpose, he analyzes that we all pursue happiness, and the talk goes on asking about what truly brings happiness. I would never do justice to his book in one paragraph, if you are interested, you can get more thoughts on this here, trust me though, it’s not going to be an easy read for the average mind.

I have also studied the bible extensively about the answer to the same question-“What truely is the purpose of life?” What are we here to do, and what will bring the highest fulfillment. I read the thoughts of the experiential and experimental biblical philosopher in Bible – The King in Ecclestiastes. After living a life where he pursues all that man can pursue to gain happiness – women, wisdom, fame, projects, e.t.c. He came to a final conclusion that the whole purpose of man is to fear God and obey his commandments. In my own thoughts, I have come to find out as well, that the highest priority a man can pursue meaningfully on this earth is to serve God’s purpose and desire. This purpose differs from individual to individual, but in the final analysis, life is measured against a standard, and that standard is the original intention in the mind of God for that individual.

It is then safe to say, that all the resources, all the skills, all the talents, all the breathe that we have, is to be useful in whatever it is that God’s mandate for our lives are. It therefore means that we are given what we are given, not to own, not to spend, but to give. A man’s life does not consist of that which he possesses or that which he does not possess. A man’s life is measured by it’s contribution, by it’s sacrifice, by it’s giving. We do not have to amass, we are given to share and spread.

I once asked my wife a question, I think it is a question all who God will prosper must know to answer. I asked her, if all the money in the world were to suddenly leave every human being overnight and make it’s way into your bank account, what will you do with the money, and how will you ensure that money is in circulation again. She thought long and hard and said she didn’t think it would be wise to just distribute it. That she would rather find a way of creating a system where the people deserving of it and capable of getting it accross to the people deserving of it get it. Think about it, if this happens, ultimately, the money’s will still end up with the people who can be trusted with it. It will end up with the people who have value to add, and it will end up in the hands of those who will be mindful of the poor, the considerate of those who are in the situations they are without their choice.

Have you ever wondered why Bill Gates was the richest man in the world and also the greatest known giver to causes in the world? Have you ever wondered that as soon as Warren Buffet outgave Bill Gates by still giving to  Bill and Melinda Gate’s foundation he became the richest man in the world? Rather than create dollar rains that will make men the enemy of themselves, God decides to make it available to channels who will let it serve his purpose. The Bible says that if a man cannot be trusted with money, he has failed the test of being custodian of true riches. The money test, is a foundational and fundamental test.

A few weeks ago, it was brought back to my memory, that I need to give once again to the orphanage that I have come to see as closely linked to my financial prosperity. I remember that when I had nothing, I told God about my intention to sponsor an orphanage, I made this decision known to the manager, and in that same season, the doors openned. As much as one requires an open hand to recieve, it takes a willingness and commitment to keep the hands open for his resources to flow.

What we are willing to hold on to and not let go of defines our limits. You cannot be more than you are willing to lay down. Jesus earned the biggest name in the world, by laying down the most, and by taking the biggest plunge. God does not do things abitrarily, if God prospers a man, it’s because he has been found capable and it is required for the delivery of his assignment.

In this season as the year ends and you begin to evaluate how you have done, don’t measure yourself by what you have acquired and by how big your account is. Measure yourself rather by how much you have given, how much impact you have had, how many lives you have touched, what you have sacrificed, what you have contributed. Ask yourself, “What am I really chasing?”

In the year ahead, plan to be relevant, plan to support a dream, plan to give to a cause, plan to be a part of the new. Prepare to deliver the future. Trust me, your goals are likely to get the blessings of God if one of them reads for example – “To support an orphanage to the tune of N5,000,000”, than to say “To have a bank cash balance of N10,000,000”. May God give us the wisdom to understand and apply to true purpose of life, and the true why of wealth.

Adeolu Akinyemi

Adeolu Akinyemi

31 thoughts on “The Why of Wealth”

  1. Bringitbay.com
    December 17, 2008 at 2:20 am

    Thanks for taking this to another level. I can now listen to the blog of blogs while multitasking! (That guy bit himself while reading the Yoruba bit)

    As you well know, the best way to create wealth is to create value via businesses. That thing called profit is simply money added (by magic? oh no!) to what was there before. Funny enough, this afternoon I sat and thought about how our small company is growing and the need at this point to cultivate giving as we grow. I am at this point now thinking about how to go about it and what % to set aside. I’ll be glad that you help in this regards.

    Dee,XXXXXX. I need some advice!

    Mo

    Reply
  2. Peter Oluokun
    December 17, 2008 at 5:07 am

    Well said Deolu, it refreshes my soul the way you captured the why of wealth.

    There is a say that ‘Wealth is Spiritual’ Wealth thrives on spiritual laws/principles.

    ‘There is he that scatters yet increases, there is that withholds yet tends to poverty’

    ‘He that gives bountifully shall reap bountifully’

    It pays to be a blessing to others, it pays to sacrifice for a charitable cause.

    Reply
  3. JesusFreak
    December 17, 2008 at 6:31 am

    Truuuuuuuu Talk….Wise Talk…A question of purpose. When purpose is not known abuse is definitely inevitable.

    Ki lan le gan …Anyway, that has been answered in here…

    The worst thing that can happen to a man is not poverty but not fulfilling purpose. What does it profit a man to gain the whole world and yet lose his soul.

    It is far more blessed to give than to receive. We are sent to be spent for the course of the kingdom, like Jesus was..

    God help you!!! God help me!!! God help us!!!

    …still pondering on your wise words sir

    Reply
  4. Tunbosun
    December 17, 2008 at 6:43 am

    Sacrifice is a fundamental part of Love as demonstated by the Master Jesus.
    We all have it in us to give and your post really asked the question of how much are we willing to give ?

    Reply
  5. Solomon James
    December 17, 2008 at 7:25 am

    True talk Deolu, I agree with Peter that wealth is spiritual, ‘cos when it comes to distribution the spirit is willing but the flesh( the things we see, our fears of not getting back, which only demonstrates our lack of faith in Him that giveth seed to the sower and bread to the eater) is weak.
    “You cannot be more than you are willing to lay down”
    Case dismissed.

    http://www.undergraduatesinbusiness.com

    Reply
  6. oluyemi adeosun
    December 17, 2008 at 7:26 am

    The good thing is that no matter our status or economic conditions right now we can give and put a smile on peoples face.

    “we should give as we would receive, cheerfully, quickly, and without hesitation; for there is no grace in a benefit that sticks to the fingers”. ~Seneca

    http://WWW.YEMIADEOSUN.BLOGSPOT.COM

    Reply
  7. Omooba
    December 17, 2008 at 7:55 am

    Of a truth, we are given to give back to others, and the extent to which you give is the extent to which you’ll go. The purpose of life is to please God. Whst more way to please God than to give… These truths are timeless…

    Reply
  8. Olajide Michael
    December 17, 2008 at 7:56 am

    The day you stop giving, you start dying (Pastor Mary Abioye of Living faith Church). What a true statement. And i make bold to say that the day we stop giving, we start stinking. It is only a flowing river that never stinks. Period!

    Reply
  9. Ireti Ishola
    December 17, 2008 at 8:02 am

    I am tired of saying nice piece. I think this is a masterpiece. God told Abraham “I will bless you and thou shall be a blessing unto others”. We are blessed to be a blessing.God is always willing to bless people who are interested in distributing his blessings.

    Reply
  10. babatope olayemi
    December 17, 2008 at 8:14 am

    The secret of true riches has just being revealed.I respeect your sincerity deolu, you tried it and it worked for you.This confirms the saying ‘givers never lack’. I think the problem with most people is fear of insecurity of not getting back the minute they give.

    Reply
  11. Festus Adeolu
    December 17, 2008 at 8:30 am

    “Successful people are always looking for opportunities to help others. Unsuccessful people are always asking, ‘what’s in it for me?'” – Brian Tracy

    “What we are willing to hold on to and not let go of defines our limits”.

    True talk.

    Reply
  12. Biddy
    December 17, 2008 at 9:29 am

    Thanks for this provocative write-up, most people think, when they hoard is when they get but the truth is when you let go,God let flow!Giving is a lifestyle for my family and we can not count how many times, we have sown painful seeds that at the time we were giving them were like death sentences of how we would be able to cope, but i must tell you this, after sowing those seeds, we received bigger blessings,sometimes, in cash, promotions, connections, good health and endless miracles.I tell people, “naked we came to this world and naked we will all return”…so who are you feeding, who are you clothing and who are you visiting in prison…Lets use what God has blessed us with this season and be a blessing to another and watch how our lives will be transformed forever.
    http://www.bridgetelesinspeaks.blogspot.com

    Reply
  13. Gbenga Aijotan
    December 17, 2008 at 12:47 pm

    this post completely reinforce my prayer on a daily basis to God that He should make me a blessing unto others.

    Reply
  14. deola kayode
    December 17, 2008 at 4:04 pm

    Powerful, simply powerful.
    The story of the rich fool comes to mind clearly as I read this.
    After gathering all he said to his soul.
    “I will say to my soul, I will build a big house. I will store my produce and I and I and I…”..God called him a fool for this perception.
    the reason we were called primarily is to be of service to others. Money thus becomes a vehicle to achieve a means.
    selah.

    adeolakayode.com

    Reply
  15. chukwudi uche
    December 17, 2008 at 4:18 pm

    Thanks my brother. I’m not doing badly here. I would still improve.

    Reply
  16. Otome Elisha
    December 17, 2008 at 4:32 pm

    Thank u again. This piece has one more time reminded me of what God wants me to do. I agree 100% with everything u ve said.

    Reply
  17. Ifeoluwa
    December 17, 2008 at 4:32 pm

    Dear Sir,
    Thank you so much and God bless.

    Reply
  18. Olaoluwa
    December 17, 2008 at 5:32 pm

    Give and it will come back to you good measure pressed down and shaken together and running over shall men give into your bosom.With the same measure you give it will be measured back to you.Luke 6:38

    All those other things, na long thing,discover your purpose in life and live it to the full.That is the only way out.Then also try to give God your all,you can never outgive God. Nice one here Nice one

    Reply
  19. Otolorin Daniels
    December 17, 2008 at 6:40 pm

    Hmmmm!

    Reply
  20. caeser
    December 17, 2008 at 6:58 pm

    thanks deolu for this great article. it actually reminds me of robbin hood

    Reply
  21. JesusFreak
    December 17, 2008 at 11:03 pm

    “You can have everything in life you want, if you will just help enough other people get what they want.” – Zig Ziglar..

    Reply
  22. Toyin
    December 18, 2008 at 7:14 am

    thanks deolu for reminding me again. I almost forget, cause I going thru some financial challenges. God will continue to bless you, because of what you give on this blog, the reason you are always having more to share.

    Reply
  23. Dolly
    December 18, 2008 at 7:39 am

    “Successful people are always looking for opportunities to help others. Unsuccessful people are always asking, ‘what’s in it for me?’” – Brian Tracy

    “What we are willing to hold on to and not let go of defines our limits”.

    True talk indeed.

    God bless you for that quote, just what I need for the talk I plan to have with young people in my Church.The craze of ‘what is in it for me’ is killing us slowly!

    Reply
  24. Royal_Prince
    December 18, 2008 at 11:56 am

    I have learnt that God values our relevance and not our worth.
    A man may worth a billion dollars and still not be relevant to God’s cause or humanity.

    The following: “don’t measure yourself by what you have acquired and by how big your account is. Measure yourself rather by how much you have given, how much impact you have had, how many lives you have touched, what you have sacrificed, what you have contributed” Sums it up

    Luv U

    Reply
  25. Bussee
    December 18, 2008 at 1:16 pm

    Hmm….Lord, melt me and put me into circulation.

    Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone

    Reply
  26. Tunde Anibaba
    December 18, 2008 at 1:20 pm

    Honest to God, it is nothing but the truth. Givers don’t give bcos they are instructed to give rather they do so because of the blessings that awaits a cheerful giver. It doesn’t matter the worth; you never know how many lives you would have inspired by giving.

    Reply
  27. emeka
    December 18, 2008 at 8:45 pm

    i’m blown away by this post.that really got me thinking!a classic.

    Reply
  28. ODEDEYI EMMANUEL
    December 19, 2008 at 1:33 pm

    Bros, may God continually help us to set ou priorities right….hmm
    LESSON LEARNT:- Fulfilment of Divine Purpose is the essence of living.

    Thanx.

    Reply
  29. dharpizee
    January 2, 2009 at 1:45 pm

    oga deolu, this is another nice topic, i just remembered this comment when me and a friend of mine,were discussing of the issue of tithing and giving, and it just came to my mind that i have been receiving more than i am giving, and i alway try to ensure i give more. I THANK GOD ALMIGHTY FOR HIS MIRACLES, PLEASE EVERY BODY KEEP GIVING!!!!!!!!!

    Reply
  30. OMOZELE
    May 25, 2009 at 11:56 am

    i believe that the purpose of life is to be impactful to his world. to be a blessing to the lives of others is a very reason why the maker gave life. in essence, it is leaving the world, a better place that how you met it. a person’s life will be useless if after he is gone, people cannot point out on any area where he has contributed to development and hence he will be greatly missed. many have come to this world and have died with their music still in them. i dont want to be that. i want my tombstone not just to be the years i lived but that i will be mostly missed because i lived full but died empty.

    Reply
  31. IKOTUN ADEBISI
    May 31, 2009 at 8:03 pm

    a life that is meaningfully lived is one that is impact oriented. the totality of man’s existence is fruitless if he does not make an impact in his immediate environment. life is sweet when lived with the understanding that the world needs to “feel us”

    Reply

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Meet Deolu

Many hold their audience spell bound with motivational speeches but few care to hold the audience by the hand and help them walk their way to financial freedom like he does. Many have failed at everything they have tried to do but everything he does turns to gold. Read more…

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