Is It Time to Redefine What Being Rich Means to You?

Ralph00:00:00

Welcome to another insightful episode of the Ask Ralph Show. I'm your financial evangelist, Ralph and today, we're asking a powerful question. Is it time to redefine what being rich means to you? We're going to explore why chasing financial wealth often leaves us feeling empty and how embracing a holistic, Christ centered view of abundance can lead to a more fulfilling life. And isn't that all of our goals? Our goal is to help you escape that cycle of financial shame with confidence. So let's dive right in.

Podcast Announcer00:00:32

In a world where crushing debt keeps you trapped, where living paycheck to paycheck has become your new normal, and where the dream of retirement seems impossibly out of reach, there's hope. Join financial evangelist Ralph Estep Jr. A man who's walked through the fire of financial failure and emerged stronger on the other side. Welcome to Ask Ralph, the show where real world experience meets biblical truth to break the bondage of financial despair. Get ready to take control of your money, break free from the financial stress and align your resources with God's purpose for your life. This is Ask Ralph with Ralph Estep Jr.

Ralph00:01:11

Imagine standing at the edge of a vast desert. In the distance, you can see a shimmering oasis. It promises refreshment, it promises relief, it promises happiness. You chase it, but no matter how far you go, that oasis remains just out of reach. This, my friends, is the mirage of financial wealth. Many of us have felt the sting of that financial shame, that feeling that we're not enough because we don't have enough. But what if there's another way to view wealth? What if true abundance isn't about how much money we have, but how rich our lives are? So let's start by anchoring our thoughts in God's word. In the book of Matthew chapter 6, verse 33, Jesus says this, and it's beautiful. "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all of these things will be given to you as well." And see, this verse reminds us that true wealth and true fulfillment, they come from seeking God first and aligning our lives with his purposes. The truth is we live in a world that tells us wealth is about a massive bank account, luxurious cars, and extravagant vacations. But ask yourself, how many stories have you heard of millionaires who still feel empty? They still feel unfulfilled. They feel isolated. See, the truth is, financial wealth alone can never quench our thirst for true abundance. Ask yourself, have you ever chased something, thinking it would bring you happiness, only to feel empty when you finally got it? I know, I have. Think for yourself about a time when you thought money or possessions would fill a void. They just didn't. Let me tell you about a successful businessman once said this. He said, I have everything I thought I ever wanted. A mansion, a yacht, more money than I can spend. Yet every night, I sit alone in my grand dining room, eating takeout and feeling more empty than ever. Because here's a brutal truth. You see, the pursuit of financial wealth often leads us down a path of constant craving, a path of never ending comparisons, and a gnawing sense that something's missing. But what if there's another way to view wealth? What if true abundance isn't about how much money we have, but how rich our lives are. See, financial shame can be a heavy burden on us, makes us feel unworthy, makes us feel trapped. But if we can redefine wealth, we can finally break free from this cycle of this and find true fulfillment. Ask yourself, if you could redefine wealth in your own life, what would that look like for you? What makes your life truly abundant? Take a moment now and just think about what really brings you joy and fulfillment. There was a study in 2024 by the Australian Unity Wellbeing Index, and it revealed that true wealth encompasses, not just financial stability. That's what everybody would have assumed. But strong relationships and meaningful achievements. It's what they call the golden triangle of happiness. And you see, as Christians, We're called to go even deeper. We're called to embrace a holistic view of wealth that includes these things. This view needs to include our spiritual wellbeing, a deep connection with God, growing in faith. It's why I do this show and living according to his principles. And when you do that, this brings a sense of purpose. It brings a sense of inner peace and a contentment that no amount of money can even buy. It's all about relationships. Those strong, healthy bonds with family, those strong bonds with friends and your community, because in the end, these connections, they provide us with love, they provide us with support and they provide us with belonging. And these are treasures beyond any price tag. It also includes our health, both physical, mental, and our emotional wellbeing. Because if we don't have those things, we can't enjoy life to the fullest and pursue our God given purposes, which leads me to purpose. See, living a life of meaning and impact is all about purpose. It's about using our unique talents and our resources to make a difference. It brings a fulfillment that transcends all material possessions. It also includes time freedom. That's the liberty to spend our time on what matters most, not what we have to do, but what we choose to do. Those things like loving, growing, serving, and experience in life's joys. It includes self worth, recognizing our inherent value as God's children, enabling us to live with confidence, allowing us to make better decisions and allowing us to cultivate healthier relationships. And you see, when we focus on these aspects of wealth, we can break free from that cycle of financial shame and we can live with confidence. And that's what we all need to be striving for. But what about meaningful achievements? These are just a few of the accomplishments that give our lives depth and significance. Here's a few examples that I came up with for today's show. One thing you could do is start a community garden. Imagine transforming an empty lot into this lush garden where neighbors can grow fresh produce, where kids and adults can learn about gardening and they can build a community together. And if you think about it, this not only beautifies the area, but it also fosters connections. It provides healthy food for those in need. It helps build that community. How about mentoring youth? You could share your skills and wisdom with the next generation. That can have a profound impact. Whether you're teaching a musical instrument, maybe you're coaching a sports team, or even tutoring students, you're making an investment in the future and making a lasting difference. Maybe you might consider volunteering at a local shelter, spending time helping those in need, whether it's serving meals, organizing clothing drives, or simply being a listening ear. You don't know how many times people just need somebody to talk to. It can bring immeasurable joy. It can bring a huge amount of fulfillment. In the end, it's about being a beacon of hope and love in someone's darkest hour. Maybe you consider launching a social enterprise, starting a business that not only generates income, but also addresses social issues. This can be deeply rewarding. Maybe you open up a cafe that employs and trains people with disabilities, or a company that produces eco friendly products and supports those sustainable practices. Maybe you create art for a cause. Listen, I'm not artful, but maybe you are. If you're an artist, maybe you consider using your talents to raise awareness and to raise funds for important causes. This can be done through writing, painting, music, or any other form of artistic expression. Because those things touch hearts and they inspire action. Maybe you're somebody that's good with organizing community events, whether it's a neighborhood block party, maybe it's a charity run or a cultural festival. These events bring people together, they foster a sense of belonging and they create lasting memories. Now those are just some big things, but here are some everyday achievements that can bring just as much fulfillment. Have you ever thought about helping a neighbor? Something as simple as offering to mow a neighbor's lawn, maybe walk their dog, bring them a meal. These things can make a huge difference in their day and strengthen your community bonds. Have you ever thought about reading to a child? I remember so much my grandparents, my mom used to do this. Spending quality time with a child, whether it's reading a book, playing a game, or just listening to them. They want to be heard. These things can create lasting memories and foster a sense of love and foster a sense of wellbeing. Maybe it's as simple as donating blood. This small act can have a profound impact on someone's life. It's a tangible way to give back and make a difference. How about writing a thank you note? Man, nobody does that anymore. Expressing gratitude to someone who's made a difference in your life. That not only brightens your day, but it brightens their day and it strengthens those relationships. Maybe you're a cook and you could cook a meal for someone. Preparing a home cooked meal for a friend or a family member, you don't want me to do it, or even a stranger can be a powerful act of love and service. Maybe it's something as simple as picking up litter, taking a few minutes to clean up a park. Maybe you walk the beach and you pick up trash there or your neighborhood even. These things can make a visible difference and they inspire others to do the same thing. Imagine trading that emptiness of mere financial wealth for the rich, vibrant tapestry of true abundance. See, the truth is meaningful achievements aren't not, they're not just about what you do, but they're how you impact the world around you. They fill your life with purpose, they fill your life with joy, and a deep sense of fulfillment. You notice not one time that I mentioned anything about money. Did I mention anything about stuff, that I mentioned any of those things? And see, the Bible offers us timeless wisdom on wealth and prosperity. Here are just a few of the more transformative principles. We started off with Matthew 6:33 about seeking God's kingdom first. And that's what I think you need to start. You need to prioritize your relationship with God and align your decisions with His will. Cause when we chase God instead of money, that's when you're really going to find true fulfillment. Because the thing you need to understand, I say this on the show all the time. God owns everything. We're just merely stewards of His resources. When you have this mind shift, it will shift our focus from accumulating to personal management and generosity. And while I talk about that generosity, one of the best ways you can do that is to practice contentment. Find satisfaction in God and what you have. The Apostle Paul learned to be content in all situations. That's right from Philippians chapter 4, 11 to 13. I'll encourage you to read it. Because here's the truth. Contentment is the antidote to the emptiness of constant craving, and look, all around us. We're craving for something else. One of the other things you can do is be generous and be willing to share using your resources to bless others and advance God's kingdom. See, this is not just charity. It's investing in eternal treasures, right from Matthew 6, 19 to 21. One of the things you've got to guard against is avoid that love of money. Don't let money become an idol or a source of greed, because the truth is, the love of money can lead to all kinds of evil. That's right from 1 Timothy chapter 6, verse 10. And instead of having that love for money, let love for God and others guide you. So now I'm going to ask you, which of these biblical principles resonates with you the most? How can you apply it to your life right now, today. Maybe you need to reflect on a time when you felt truly content or when you were able to be generous and think back on that, think back of how that made you feel. And see, many people have embraced this. Redefined view of wealth and are living, fulfilling lives. People like Warren Buffett, Oprah Winfrey, Elon Musk, and JK Rowling have used their resources to make a positive impact on the world. And their stories remind us that true wealth is about living with purpose, it's about living with generosity and a desire to make a difference. But you don't have to be a billionaire to live a life of true abundance. Everyday, people are making a difference right where they are through simple acts of kindness, through service and through love. And in the end, these are the real heroes. The ones who understand that true wealth is about touching lives. It's about making the world a better place. Ask yourself, do you know someone who's living a life of true abundance? Think about their story and how it can inspire you. How can you emulate their example in your own life? And while redefining wealth on a personal level is crucial, we've also got to acknowledge wealth inequality. This growing disparity raises questions about fairness and opportunity. And as Christians, we're called to be mindful of these issues and seek ways to promote justice, and seek ways to promote equality for everybody. But this doesn't mean we should feel guilty about our blessings. By no means am I saying that. But rather we should be motivated, I say this on the show all the time, to share our blessings, to advocate for the marginalized and to work towards a more equitable society. So because in the end, true abundance is not about how much we have. Hear me on this, but it's about how much we give, and how much we love. So I'm going to ask you, what are some ways you can advocate for justice? How can you advocate for equality in your community? Think about the small steps you can take to make a difference in the lives of those around you. See, redefining wealth is a daily, is a deeply personal journey. It requires introspection, it requires prayer, and it requires a willingness to align your life with God's purposes. So you might be saying, Ralph, what do I do now? Well, here's where I'm going to lay the ground, I'm going to put the ground to it. Here's some steps that can guide you. These are things that you can do right now. The first thing you've got to do is you've got to reflect on your current definition of wealth. Does it focus solely on finances or does it encompass other aspects of your life? That's where you got to start. Then you got to identify your values. You got to understand what truly matters to you. What brings you joy? What brings you fulfillment? And once you figure out those things, then set goals that align with those values, create financial goals that support your overall wellbeing and allow you to live a life of purpose. One of the things I'm going to encourage you to do right away is practice gratitude. Focus on the abundance you already have. Listen, we have so much. I had somebody in my office yesterday. We talked about this. We have so much. Think about what you already have. Because this gratitude can transform our hearts, it can transform our minds, and fill us with all kinds of contentment and joy. One of the other things I want to encourage you to do is seek wise counsel. Talk to a trusted financial advisor, talk to a mentor who can help you make sound decisions that align with your values. Surround yourself with good people. Then I'm going to encourage you to live generously. Give your time, give your talents and give your resources to others. Cause see, generosity breaks the chains of emptiness and it fills our lives with love and purpose. And you don't have to start large. You can start small. You don't have to change the world overnight. Start with one small act of kindness, one simple change, one step towards getting to true abundance. Because here's the thing you got to remember. Every great journey begins with just a single step and every single great achievement is the result of many small, consistent efforts. And by focusing on these aspects, you can escape that cycle of financial shame, and you can live with confidence. So I challenge you today, are you ready to trade the emptiness of mere financial wealth for the richness of true abundance? Are you ready to embrace a holistic Christ centered view of wealth? Here are some immediate steps that you can take, and start with prayer. Take a moment. We're going to pray in a minute, but take a moment to pray and ask God to reveal His definition of wealth for your life. Reflect on what areas need to be realigned and what steps you can take right now today to cultivate true abundance in all areas of your life. I'm going to encourage you, write down your values, grab a notebook and just jot down values that truly matter to you. Ask yourself what brings you joy, what brings you fulfillment, and use these as a guide for setting your goals. I'm going to encourage you to express gratitude. I've mentioned that a few times. Write a thank you note to someone, make something simple as if they've made a difference in your life, because here's the truth, expressing gratitude can brighten their day and it can strengthen your relationship with them. I'm going to encourage everybody to perform a small act of kindness. We talked about helping a neighbor, read to a child, pick up litter in the street. These small acts can make a big difference. Maybe you need to create a budget. And if you haven't already, create a budget that reflects those values and supports your overall wellbeing, because if you don't have an intention, you won't do it. And this will help you make sound financial decisions that align with your goals. They align with your values. Another thing I'm going to encourage you to do is volunteer. Look for opportunities to volunteer in your community, whether it's at a local shelter, a community garden, or a charity event. Because here's the truth. Your time and talents can make a meaningful impact to other people. I want to encourage you to seek advice, reach out to a trusted financial advisor or a mentor who can help you make wise decisions that align with your values and goals. And in the end, remember this, you're not alone in this journey. God is with you. He is guiding you every step of the way, and guess what? I'm here too. I'm here cheering you on. So in the end, let's redefine wealth together and let's live lives filled with love, with purpose, and true fulfillment. So I'm going to ask that we pray. Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the gifts of this time together, for the wisdom You've shared through Your word, and for the inspiration to redefine what it means to be truly rich. Lord, we come before You today, humbled. We're humbled by the realization that true wealth is not found in the abundance of possessions. It's just not. Those are emptiness. It's just not there. But it's in the abundance of Your love, it's in the abundance of Your presence, and it's in Your purpose in our lives. Lord, help us to see wealth, not just as a financial prosperity thing, but as a rich tapestry of spiritual wellbeing, of loving relationships, of good health, of meaningful purpose, of time freedom, and a deep sense of self worth. Lord, we ask for Your guidance as we seek to align our lives with Your will. Help us to prioritize Your kingdom and Your righteousness above all else. Lord, we ask that You teach us to be content with what we have, to find joy in the blessings You've already given us, and to be generous with the resources You've already entrusted to us. Lord, show us how to break free from that cycle of financial shame. Help us to understand in the end that our worth is not determined by our bank accounts, but by our identity as Your beloved children. That is our true inheritance. Lord, give us the courage to live confidently, knowing that You are with us always, You're always guiding us, and you're always providing for us every step of the way. Father, we ask for Your help in taking these first steps towards true abundance. Inspire us to act on the call to action steps we've talked about today. Give us the wisdom to reflect on our current definition of wealth and find where it's broken. Help us to identify our values, help us to set goals that align with Your purpose. Lord, help us to practice gratitude, to seek wise counsel and to live generously. And Lord, please help us to start with small acts of kindness and service. Lord, we lift up those who are struggling with financial shame and insecurity. Comfort them with Your love, encourage them with Your word and empower them with Your strength. Help them to see that they are not alone, that they are valuable in Your sight and that they have a purpose and a destiny in Your kingdom. Father, we thank You for the examples of those who embraced this holistic view of wealth and are living fulfilling lives. Lord inspire us to follow their lead, to become a beacon of hope and let us reflect that love in our communities to make a positive impact on the world around us. Lord, we ask for Your blessing on our journey to true abundance. Help us to stay focused on what truly matters, to live with purpose, to love with generosity, and to find fulfillment in Your presence. Lord, we ask all of these things in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and savior. We pray. Amen. Now, as I close today, I would love to hear your thoughts and stories. I want you to share your questions. I want you to share your insights with me and let's continue this conversation. And you could do that by going to justaskralph.com and together let's inspire others. Let's encourage each other to live lives of true abundance. Stop chasing after that big bank account and those cars and those vacations. I'm also going to encourage you to check out my daily blog post. You can check that out at askralphpodcast.com/blog. I've got more insights there. I've got more encouragement and I've got some practical tips on living a life of true abundance. Because we believe this. We believe that we all have an obligation to reach out to others. We have an obligation to make a difference in the world. And if you'd like to partner with us in this mission, I'm going to encourage you to visit askralphpodcast.com/support. And the truth is this. Working together, we can inspire and encourage each other to live lives filled with love, to live lives filled with purpose and to truly find fulfillment. And remember this. True wealth is about more than just money. I hope you heard that today. It's about living a life of abundancy in love, purpose, and connection. So until next time, as I always say, stay financially savvy, stay inspired, and may God bless you abundantly.

Podcast Announcer00:25:51

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