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Learning & Changing

Living Rich
Discovering the rich life God intends for you…

Living rich is loving and being loved, moving in love, being motivated by love, sharing love in little ways (sensitivity, discretion, courtesy, reciprocation, wise counsel, listening empathetically, as well as direct assistance, life saving assistance, etc.)

Living rich is having friendships where you can be yourself (transparent) and where there is a mutual commitment to truth, love, honor, integrity and to each other's well being.

Living rich is honoring God, your family, and the earth. Scripture tells us to honor our Father and Mother. It is appreciating the sacrifices your parents made for you and how they did the best they could, given their own background and limitations.

Living rich involves being able to enjoy financial wealth by having the emotional, spiritual, physical, and mental ability to use it wisely and to enjoy it without either obsessing over the making of it or the losing of it, but to hold it freely and to appreciate it and its functionality as a tool to enhance enjoyment and to serve your life's true purpose.

Living rich is enjoying a respectful, purposeful and intimate relationship with your spouse, and working together as a team to care for the part of his creation that you have authority or responsibility for or interaction with, i.e. family, finances, church, community, friends, etc.

People that "live rich" see life as a mission, a purposeful series of challenges to reach an end goal of a greater good for themselves and humanity.

Living rich involves celebrating life, laughing, enjoying beauty, both created by God and that created by "God's instruments," other humans, in the arts. It enjoys all of God's good creation including food and drink. It enjoys God's gift of intellect to enjoy literature and learning.

Living rich involves being able to enjoy financial wealth by having the emotional, spiritual, physical, and mental ability to use it wisely and to enjoy it without either obsessing over the making of it or the losing of it, but to hold it freely and to appreciate it and its functionality as a tool to enhance enjoyment and to serve your life's true purpose.

Living rich is contributing to those around you, making a difference in their lives-your friends, neighbors and family.

It involves doing your very best at work, contributing ideas and positive attitude and little courtesies. Living rich is giving extra consideration to your employees, a listening ear, a kind and encouraging word, and other assistance as appropriate.

How do you tell if a person is following life's principles and enjoying the "Rich Life?

You will notice that the person is wise (the opposite of being a fool)

• He talks wisely, he makes wise decisions, and he's a "life strategist."
• He approaches things carefully. He's willing to take a risk, but to do it wisely.
• She is resourceful and very busy-but not too busy to take care of the first priorities, herself and her loved ones and her relationship with God. She's secure in herself. She's internally validated. That is to say, she knows when she's right or when she's doing well, rather than externally validated-being dependent on other people's opinion or analysis of her or her production.
• He is active-an active reader, active in his community, active in his church, active with his family, enjoying life, taking an active role in his children's lives.
• He's passionate about life and about his mission, and because of that, he emanates a certain power. He has a power to "make things happen". He's a doer, a "mover and a shaker."
• She radiates life's energy. She's alive in a big way, a delight to be around. Just being in her presence encourages others and brightens their day. (1 Peter 1:5-1

A person following life's eternal success rules is diligent in what they do; they keep their commitments, are concerned about their integrity, and take pride in their appearance. They are magnanimous, with "large hearts" and a zest for life. (1 Kings 4:29) "And God gave Solomon wisdom and exceedingly great understanding, and largeness of heart like the sand on the seashore." They are intellectually curious and spiritually committed without being intolerant of other views.

They are mature enough to realize that their interpretations of history, politics and theology, etc., are exactly that--their own interpretations or opinions. They have a broad perspective, the ability to see, understand and empathize with others and diverse viewpoints. They are relentlessly committed to never ending improvement (sanctification).

They are committed to following the example set by Jesus in loving others, but keenly aware that unlike Jesus, they won't be able to do it perfectly.

Jesus said: "I have come that they may have life, and have it more abundantly."

This article from Living Ric