In the pentagon figure without any given length of sides or
angles formed, what is the sum of all angles inside? To solve this trivial
question, we must choose to remember and apply a basic geometry rule – that any
given triangle has a sum 180 degrees for all 3 angles. Then, we choose one
vertex and draw imaginary lines to its opposite vertex to create triangle
figures. By “dividing” the pentagon, 3 triangles can be made. Therefore, 180
degrees x 3 = 540 degrees; it is the sum of all the angles of the pentagon.
In our life, the ambiguity of how to gain true wealth can
also be solved by applying the same approach to this geometry problem. We
must adhere to the basic biblical rules of contentment (trust in God) and
generosity (gratitude to God).
Contentment
Indeed, it is necessary to be contended so our figure of
wealth will not uncontrollably grow more than we really needed it to be able to
live a simple life. We must pray and be on guard against our fears and greed for
these two can ignite our desire the love for money. Hebrews 13:5 reminded us to
““Let your life be free from love of money but be content with what you have,
for he has said, I will never forsake you or abandon you.” God knows our needs
and He will provide. Therefore our focus on wealth accumulation is only towards
meeting our needs and not to be immersed and to get lost in wealth's exponential
growth. The key words here are “be content with what you have”. This simply
implies we still need to work in order “to have” but we do not need to keep on
working when we already have what we need.
Related bible readings:
Matthew 6:19 - “Do not store up for yourselves treasures
on earth, where moth and decay destroy, and thieves break in and steal.”
Luke 12:15 – “Then he said to the crowd, “Take care to
guard against all greed, for though one may be rich, one’s life does not
consist of possessions.”
1 Timothy 6:9-10 – “For we brought nothing into the
world, just as we shall not be able to take anything out of it. For the love of
money is the root of all evils, and some people in their desire for it have
strayed from the faith and have pierced themselves with many pains.”
Generosity
In the geometry problem solution, we needed to “divide”
the pentagon to be able to see the sum of its angles. Just the same, we need to
always “divide” also our financial blessings in order to find our “true”
wealth. This “division” of wealth should translate to sharing our wealth for
the betterment of our neighbors in need. 1 Timothy 6:18-19 attest to this
biblical truth – “Tell them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be
generous, ready to share, thus accumulating as treasure a good foundation for
the future, so as to win the life that is true life.” When we use our financial
blessings to “store up treasures in heaven”, our life will have a meaningful
purpose that is in-line with God’s divine purpose.
Related bible readings:
Matthew 6:20 – “But store up treasures in heaven, where
neither moth nor decay destroys, nor thieves break in and steal.”
2 Corinthians 9:6-7 - Consider this: whoever sows
sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap
bountifully. Each must do as already determined, without sadness or compulsion,
for God loves a cheerful giver.”
In all, contentment leads us to share and sharing leads us to a meaningful life.
Then we gain our true wealth.
God bless us all.
