Divine Richness: Embracing Spiritual Virtues
When we reflect on the manifestations of God’s goodness, it is clear that true greatness does not lie in the accumulation of material wealth, but in the gifts He bestows on each of us. At the very beginning of our journey—in the creation of nature—we witness the testimony of His strength and beauty: air, water, earth, fire, and light give life and inspiration. These elements remind us that every person is created in the image and likeness of God, and therein lies true richness.The main idea is that spiritual values such as respect, humility, faith, hope, and love are far more significant than material goods—lands, money, and comforts. God does not expect us to squander the gifts He has given us on vanity and luxury. On the contrary, the highest purpose of every person is to use their blessings for inner growth and assistance to others, thereby making the world a better place and expressing true worship of their Creator.In conclusion, true goodness is not found in possessing material wealth, but in the ability to cherish and develop spiritual virtues. If we learn to appreciate the inner strength and wisdom bestowed upon us from above, we will not only draw closer to God but also offer light and hope to others, leaving behind a genuine testament to God’s magnanimity.
Can luxury and wealth be considered as tangible signs of God’s greatness and mercy?The answer to your question can be formulated as follows. Tangible evidences of God’s goodness and greatness are primarily manifested in creation and the gifts He bestows on man, rather than in the way man disposes of material goods for luxury and entertainment. One source emphasizes that a man’s true wealth lies in being created in the image and likeness of God, and that true wealth consists of spiritual virtues—such as humility, virtue, faith, hope, and love—rather than land, money, or earthly pleasures. As it is stated:"How great is the Lord’s wealth of light, air, water, earth, fire—these five elemental substances that compose our bodies, by which they live! ... What is the true wealth of man? It is in the image and likeness of God, and not in lands, not in money, ... for all these are perishable and temporary, but the soul—the image of God—is eternal, and its wealth consists of virtue, sanctity, humility, kindness, moderation in everything, faith, hope, and love." (source: link txt)This testifies that God’s greatness is manifested in all that exists, in nature and in the human spirit, rather than in exaggerated material luxury.On the other hand, another source warns against using one’s property for luxury and entertainment. Using the material goods given by God solely for personal satisfaction contradicts God’s order and His commandments. As it is stated:"Do not deceive yourselves: do not regard the use of this property for luxury and amusement as blameless! You are obligated to manage it as God, who entrusted it to you, has commanded. By using your property for luxury and entertainment, you are trampling on God’s Law, taking from your neighbors that which God has entrusted you to distribute to them." (source: link txt)Thus, although material goods may be perceived as gifts from God, they are not in themselves tangible signs of His greatness and mercy if used inappropriately. The true manifestation of God’s goodness lies in how one appreciates and uses the wealth given to them for building, spiritual growth, and helping others—not for personal indulgence and wastefulness.