Blue Elevator Blog

Use Worldly Wealth: Not Friends

“I tell you, use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings.” – Luke 16:9

An asset is something of value.  Some assets have tangible worth (e.g., a fine piece of gold). Other assets produce income (e.g., an annuity).

In business, one of your greatest assets is your network.  And because your network is an asset, the temptation is to treat it (e.g., monetize) just like any another asset.

Now, there’s nothing wrong with doing business with skilled and trustworthy people in your networks.

But, you should treat your network differently than you do other assets.  Worldy wealth and assets depreciate.  When you manage earthly assets, you sell them, use them, or wear them out.  You will do well to avoid selling, using, or wearing out your networks.  Instead, serve your networks.

Earthly assets are temporal.  Relationship assets (e.g., people in your network) are forever.

Seemingly, you have two choices:

• Use friends to gain wealth (e.g., the kingdom of the world).
• Use wealth to gain friends (e.g., the kingdom of God)

I would encourage you to use your earthly (temporal) assets to “invest” in those relationships that are eternal.  Use your wealth to make friends – not the other way around.  And, use your wealth wisely.  May it go well with you.  Contact us!