Dear Brothers and Sisters,
In a Straits Times article published on 5 July 2026, it was reported that 40% of Singaporeans feel that being successful means being rich. The survey, conducted across Singapore, China, Malaysia and Thailand, found that only respondents in Singapore linked personal well-being to financial success.
This is a sobering finding.
Singapore is a prosperous nation, and there is nothing wrong with working hard, earning a good income, building savings, investing wisely, and providing well for our families. In fact, financial responsibility is part of good stewardship.
However, there is a danger when wealth becomes the main measure of success, personal worth, or well-being.
In simple terms, money can buy many possessions, but it cannot automatically buy happiness, peace, joy, health, a strong marriage, loving children, or a close relationship with God.
A person may live in a large house, drive a fast car, hold an impressive job title, and have a healthy bank account. Yet, if he has lost his spiritual life, has a broken family, carries anxiety every day, or suffers from poor health, can we truly say that he is well?
The Bible reminds us that life is not measured by what we own.
Jesus said:
“Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.”
— Luke 12:15 NIV
The issue is not whether we have wealth. The issue is whether wealth has us.
God may bless some people with greater financial resources. But money entrusted to us by the Lord is not meant only for personal consumption, comfort, or family enjoyment. We are blessed to be a blessing. We are called to use what God has placed in our hands to care for our families, support His work, help those in need, and bring hope to others.
As Scripture says:
“Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.”
— 1 Timothy 6:18 NIV
Wealth without generosity can become selfishness. Wealth without God can become an idol. Wealth without contentment can become an endless race, because there will always be someone richer, a bigger house to own, a better car to drive, or a higher income to pursue.
True personal well-being is not found in earthly wealth alone. It is found in Christ.
When we have Jesus, we have the One who gives us peace in difficult times, joy beyond circumstances, wisdom for decisions, strength for our families, and hope for eternity. When we lose sight of Him, even great material abundance can leave us spiritually poor.
Our true wealth is not merely what is stored in our bank accounts, investment portfolios, or properties. Our true wealth is what we have in Christ and what we store in heaven.
Jesus said:
“But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.”
— Matthew 6:20 NIV
May we not define success merely by how much we possess, but by how faithfully we live for the Lord. May our lives reflect spiritual growth, loving relationships, good health, contentment, generosity, and a deep walk with Jesus.
May you always have the peace and joy that come from having Jesus in your life.
Blessings,
David Poh
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We pray this newsletter has deepened your understanding of faith-driven finances and inspired you to steward God’s provision with wisdom and purpose.
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