News Ticker

If I Were a Rich Man

February 25, 2013 cm-admin Inspire 0

25 Feb 2013 by Lim Poh Ann –

Watch this highly engaging video of a poor peasant dreaming of becoming rich one day from the timeless, unforgettable musical, “Fiddler on the Roof”.

Excerpts from its lyrics include:

Dear God, you made many, many poor people.
I realize, of course, that it's no shame to be poor.
But it's no great honor either!

The most important men in town would come to fawn on me!
They would ask me to advise them,
Like a Solomon the Wise.
And it won't make one bit of difference if I answer right or wrong.
When you're rich, they think you really know!

If I were rich, I'd have the time that I lack
To sit in the synagogue and pray.
And maybe have a seat by the Eastern wall.
And I'd discuss the holy books with the learned men, several hours every day.
That would be the sweetest thing of all.

If I were a rich man,
Ya ha deedle deedle, bubba bubba deedle deedle dum.
All day long I'd biddy biddy bum.
If I were a wealthy man.
I wouldn't have to work hard.

This guy is talking about being rich so that he does not have to work so hard, will be able to bum around doing nothing in particular (as well as having ample time to pray and read "holy books"), will have a big home and the respect of the town folks.

Sometimes we too think that it would be nice indeed to be rich like this farmer.

Is there anything wrong with getting rich?

For more on prosperity, please check out “Does God want me to be rich?” at

There is nothing wrong provided …

we realise that the Giver is more important than the gift and we are not mesmerised by the latter that we forget the Source of blessing.

we realise that riches won't help on the day of judgment, but right living can save us from death (Proverbs 11:4).

we don't wear yourself out trying to get rich. Be wise enough to know when to quit (Proverbs 23:4).

we are careful to guard ourselves against every kind of greed because a person's life doesn't consist of the amount of possessions he has (Luke 12:15).
we constantly remind ourselves of Paul’s command to the rich: "Teach those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which is so unreliable. Their trust should be in God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment. Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and generous to those in need, always being ready to share with others. By doing this they will be storing up their treasure as a good foundation for the future so that they may experience true life" (1 Timothy 6:17-19).

FOOTNOTES:

This video merely expresses a poor peasant’s spontaneous outburst in song and dance when he was facing hard times. We do well not to judge him for the values he portrays in the video.

We should not make the pursuit of riches an all-consuming passion. Secondly, we should not stop working even after we have become rich.

We need to rediscover the sanctity of work. Adam was given the task of tending the garden and subduing the earth even before he fell into sin. Work was not a curse in the beginning. It became a curse only after Adam sinned – “out of the sweat of your brow” you shall earn a living.

To get the full meaning behind this post on prosperity you will have to read, “Does God want me to be rich?” at as well. Otherwise you might get a wrong lopsided message.

Dear Viewers in Christ, if you find this article edifying to you, please share with your friends or loved ones by using the social media plugs (Share, Email to this article). The Lord will surely bless you as you bless others. May the Lord’s peace and love be with you.

Source : Porridge For The Soul By Dr Lim Poh Ann

http://limpohann.blogspot.com/

http://limpohann.blogspot.com/2013/02/if-i-were-rich-man.html

Disclaimer: The views or opinions expressed by the columnists are solely their own and do not necessarily represent the views or opinions of Christianity Malaysia.com

References for pictures:

http://christian-view.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Rich-man.jpg

http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4015/4539960679_9bdfa45dec_z.jpg

http://cdn.mdsone.com/c/crosschurch/artwork/5602189_21651.jpg