The Rebbe often told people that wealth is a test – a test because it is often harder to keep focused while comfortable. Somehow, our inner wiring is such that when faced with crises we find ourselves searching for God, spirituality and meaning.
But, he would tell people, that test is the challenge of our generation. Our job is to have wealth, lots of real, touch-with-your-hands-and-feel-it money and to turn that into a good thing – to use the money for Godliness.
When we give charity, God gives us the ability to do so in abundance. Of this promise – that when you give charity (with an open hand and willingly), God will repay you many times over - God says: "test me in this". Try it, He is telling us, give some charity-- and you will see that you will make the money back, and then some.
Certain areas in the field of commerce are currently not realizing expectations. Undoubtedly we must view this is a test from God. Though He knows that the heart is always open, and at all times ready to heed the call of performing good deeds, still, He tests us in order to satisfy the reluctant-to-believe angels of the Heavenly Court.
"See, despite the natural tendency to decrease in charity when business is not as it once was, here is a wise person, who understands that this is only an attempt to test him. He also understands that when he will withstand the test – and will then understand the real intent behind it all – not only will his business be as prosperous as beforehand, but it will be better than before.
"For a father loves when his son understands the true intention of his father's actions; and the more the child demonstrates his wisdom, so much greater are the gifts that he receives from his father."
Businesspeople say that a veteran in the field has a better grasp of commerce concepts. As you are in business already for a long time, you should be able to understand God's intention in this all.
Just as you would stand firm with any good investment, the same applies here. Not only should we not decrease God's share, to the contrary, we should give even more on His account. Then God will fulfill his assurance stated in the Torah: "Give a tenth to charity in order that you become wealthy" – and He will give His "partner" an even greater income than before. [M.M. Schneerson]
In ordinary life we hardly realize that we receive a great deal more than we give, and that it is only with gratitude that life becomes rich. It is very easy to overestimate the importance of our ownachievements in comparison with what we owe others.
Wealth is a great thing to have and a great thing to share. Your worth as a person does not come from what you are paid. It comes from who you are and what you give.
It is through giving that we become fulfilled and happy and begin to appreciate what we have.
Money can't buy you a place in heaven but good deeds can!
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