Interior wealth

Let me introduce you to the phrase “interior wealth.”

We all know what exterior wealth is. It’s money and other valuables we accumulate. This includes gadgets, clothes, cars and homes.

Interior wealth is something else.

It’s not unrelated to what Jesus says in the Sermon on the Mount: “lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:20-21).

No one can pickpocket your interior wealth. Why? Because it’s on the inside of you, not on the outside.

Paphnutius was a Christian bishop in the early fourth century. He said: “I say nothing is ours except what is in our hearts, what belongs to our souls, what cannot be taken away by anyone.”*

I mostly agree with that assessment. It’s a bit simplistic because we do also have other things, like relationships and responsibilities. But I know what he means. When it’s all stripped away, what is a part of our souls? What cannot be taken away by others?

In a world that lusts after money, power and influence—i.e. “exterior wealth”—this devotional is a simple opportunity to re-consider the value of interior riches.

Faith.
Honour.
Character.
Humility.
Respect.
Love.
Truth.
Courage.

The world will try to devalue you ten ways to Sunday. Your mirror might try to do that as well. Don’t be duped. The fabric of your being is more important than your material “net worth.”

Let’s invest in what (actually) lasts. “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

Notes:

-*John Cassian, Conferences (Mahwah: Paulist Press, 1985), 91.
-Bible quotes, ESV.