Prosperity

"Thank [God] in everything [no matter what the circumstances may be, be thankful and give thanks], for this is the will of God for you [who are] in Christ Jesus [the Revealer and Mediator of that will]."
1 Thessalonians 5:18, Amplified Bible

Prosperity is a highly controversial topic. Especially in the church.

There has been a recent spate of letters to the Forum in the papers. Is is TODAY or The Straits Times? I forget. However, I was quite surprised to read at least 5 letters bemoaning the fact that pp with a combined income of more than $8k can't get a new flat.

Relax the rules, so that young graduates like us get a go at the HDB pie. Thus we can then marry and procreate, delighting the paternal govt's heart - that seems to be the rallying cry.

Ok, let me explain. Not surprised at the income ceiling thingy. Have been told or read up abt this some time ago. The surprise bit comes in when I read of pp calling themselves (1)young, (2)graduates AND (3) earning a combined income of MORE THAN $8,000.

Young = I will assume less than 30 years old?

You mean pp actually earn so much nowadays?!?!?! *Gasp*

So, we're all graduates but some graduates are more equal than others eh? :P Hee... Ok, pls dun get angry with me. I can't help the cheekiness.

Have been pondering on prosperity ever since I heard a comment made during a sermon. The pastor shared that this couple would be cleared of their housing payments after next month.

"How's that for true prosperity?" asked the pastor, "Completely debt free!"

That made me pause for a moment.

As with most things, the story faded into the deep recesses of my mind, languishing in some dimly lit limbo, until Pinky read those letters to the forum the past few days. And that got me thinking - abt money, expenses, affordability and the like.

I realised I've much to be thankful for. Yes, I can't afford a LV bag. Don't think I will get the digicam nor a new phone either. However, I am still prosperous!

The world is full of voices, offering their standard of prosperity, wealth and pp who have made it. Have you noticed ads on the trains or watever, recently? Is it just me, or is it that whenever these ads proclaim "Retire comfortably!" or the like, these usually come wif an attendant golf ball and golf club? Hey, so not everyone is into golf ok ...

If we believe human beans are made of the material and the spiritual - body, soul spirit - isn't it then logical to think abt riches in that context? Both material riches AND spiritual riches?

Should religions penalise believers for their capabilities to amass wealth? Should a wealthy person be esteemed and his/her life valued more than that of a destitute senile patient in an old folks' home?

Balance, I believe, is key.

I'll leave greater minds to sort out the philosopy and theology and wat-have-you stuff.