What can we acquire that is more valuable than wealth?
It seems increasingly difficult to generate answers to that question. For money possess the capacity to open doors to most every opportunity. Access to exclusive events, people, and experiences can oft be achieved with a stout enough bank account. Even a trip to space is not beyond the purview of the ultra-wealthy.
However, as the old adage goes, money can’t buy happiness. And there are plenty of disappointed affluent individuals to testify to that fact. I have recognized in my own life that an increase in pay does not necessarily result in an equivalent increase in happiness. What then should our focus be? What is truly of value?
The answer many of you have been sitting on the past few moments is people. People and their love are of infinite worth. And while we may never be able to control their actions or thoughts, we certainly can influence them. This portion we have a degree of impact on consists of our past actions (reputation) and our attitude. This is the point Solomon is driving at:
“A sterling reputation is better than striking it rich;
a gracious spirit is better than money in the bank.”
A sterling reputation and a gracious spirit. What universally positive and agreeable aspirations Solomon has laid before us. And while we readily understand reputation, I think ‘gracious spirit’ bares further examination given its supreme value.
As I understand it, a gracious spirit stems from humility. It begins by accepting that every day and experience is a blessing, and that we don’t ‘deserve’ anything. This perspective, in stark contrast to the entitlement we are modeled by our society, leads us to be loving and patient even when we are inconvenienced or disappointed. It ultimately drives us to become more compassionate and kind people.
What is your reputation today? Ask some people close to you for honest feedback this week. And what is your attitude? Have you allowed the World’s sense of entitlement to steal your joy or have you elected to appreciate your daily blessings?
Attitude and reputation continually build on each other, and are never too late to change. Let us attempt this week to build on something that will transcend our lifetime better the lives of those around us.