A few of you may recognize this title as that of a song originally sung by Porter Wagoner. In 1955, it was number 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs. It has since been on the albums of 30 other various artists, including Johnny Cash, Glen Campbell, Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, Willie Nelson, just to name a few. The lyrics are:
How many times have you heard someone say,
If I had his money I would do things my way,
But little they know, that it's so hard to find
One rich man in ten with a satisfied mind.
Once I was waiting in fortune and fame,
Everything that I dreamed for to get a start in life's game
But suddenly it happened, I lost every dime
But I'm richer by far with a satisfied mind.
Money can't buy back your youth when you're old
Or a friend when you're lonely, or a love that's grown cold
The wealthiest person is a pauper at times
Compared to the man with a satisfied mind.
When life has ended, and my time has run out
My friends and my loved ones, I leave there's no doubt
But there's one thing for certain when it comes my time
I'll leave this old world with a satisfied mind.
If I had his money I would do things my way,
But little they know, that it's so hard to find
One rich man in ten with a satisfied mind.
Once I was waiting in fortune and fame,
Everything that I dreamed for to get a start in life's game
But suddenly it happened, I lost every dime
But I'm richer by far with a satisfied mind.
Money can't buy back your youth when you're old
Or a friend when you're lonely, or a love that's grown cold
The wealthiest person is a pauper at times
Compared to the man with a satisfied mind.
When life has ended, and my time has run out
My friends and my loved ones, I leave there's no doubt
But there's one thing for certain when it comes my time
I'll leave this old world with a satisfied mind.
The song was written by Joe “Red” Hayes and Jack Rhodes. Hayes explained that the lyrics came from his mother. I don’t know if she was a Christian but the lyrics are theologically sound. The apostle Paul had a “satisfied mind” when he wrote to the Philipians:
”Actually, I don’t have a sense of needing anything personally. I’ve learned by now to be quite content whatever my circumstances. 12I’m just as happy with little as with much, with much as with little. I’ve found the recipe for being happy whether full or hungry, hands full or hands empty. 13Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am.” The Message Bible
Paul further expands on this thought in writing Timothy:
”A devout life does bring wealth, but it’s the rich simplicity of being yourself before God.
7Since we entered the world penniless and will leave it penniless, 8if we have bread on the table and shoes on our feet, that’s enough.
9But if it’s only money these leaders are after, they’ll self-destruct in no time.
10Lust for money brings trouble and nothing but trouble. Going down that path, some lose their footing in the faith completely and live to regret it bitterly ever after.” The Message Bible
The writer to the Hebrews, which is thought by some to also be Paul, exhorts them likewise:
”Don’t be obsessed with getting more material things. Be relaxed with what you have. Since God assured us, “I’ll never let you down, never walk off and leave you,”6we can boldly quote, God is there, ready to help; I’m fearless no matter what. Who or what can get to me?” The Message Bible
In today’s world, I think Paul would tell each of us the same thing. I know that his Father is telling us the same and we, myself included, need to be reminded of this daily.
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