The Measure of a Man

When Tom Wolfe wrote his novel, A Man in Full, it was a satirical view of a high-flying Atlanta real estate tycoon. More than a few of his descriptions were familiar places or venues, with names only slightly changed. But the story conveyed the often
sad story of those who pursue financial gain at the cost of their family relationships and personal integrity, accompanied by their own moral and ethical downfall.
A recent issue of Forbes Magazine highlights the richest Americans. Mostly billionaires who have made fortunes in everything from cosmetics to oil pipelines to chicken sandwiches. But the measure of these individuals is poorly judged by the dollars that are associated with their business endeavors. The real measure of these persons is in the character of their lives. It is in the visible fruit of their existence and their impact for good upon the world. It is the real measure of the individual that meets of the tests of the times and remains confidant in something more than their accounts at the local bank.
The challenge to those with wealth is the same as it has always been. Where do you put your trust? Poor men, while having little, should be equally impressed to recognize that their hope is not in what they do not have, but whom they might know as their help and their strength for life.
Ultimately, our Maker will judge our measure of worth. He is our perfect judge…He knows us best…and fully. If that is whom you are preparing to stand before to give account…it should challenge your actions and commitments of stewardship daily.
But the good news is this, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works. Lest anyone should boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9 NKJV)
“For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height – to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.” (Ephesians 3:14-19 NKJV)