One could argue from the book of Genesis that part of humanity’s job was to create and enjoy wealth! Adam was to “till and keep” the earth (Gen. 2:15). Humanity is a steward of the wealth of God’s creation. We are creative collaborators with God. But what is wealth? It’s more than just money, it’s more than stuff. Wealth is all the goodness of God’s creation, whether you own it individually, or own it in common with humanity.

Wealth can be knowledge. Whether it be science, history, languages. The ability to obtain an education is wealth. Wealth can be technology – pacemakers restarting hearts, smart phones connecting people across the globe. Sanitation systems for cities.

Art is form of wealth. The ability to express and share one’s thoughts and feelings. Access to music like “Sweet home Alabama” or movies like “Star Wars”. Wealth can take the form of natural resources like fresh water supplies, or plant and animal life for food.

Economic wealth comes in a society bound by fair trade laws protecting both buyers and sellers and allowing profits to be stored in a safe places likes banks. This is aided by political wealth, governments which work for the interests of the people, governments which allow for free expression of ideas and self-critique.

Once we define wealth in a broader sense than cash or GDP, we free ourselves from describing ourselves and others as either “rich” or “poor” based upon the size of our wallet. Not only that, it frees us to ask questions about what kinds of wealth are most important and which ones should consume the majority of public resources. What institutions and civil policies facilitate the public production and enjoyment of wealth?