Recently a new Netflix series, Bling Empire has been released. It provides us a glimpse of the world of the crazy rich Asians not in fiction/movie but for real. It revolves around the lives of selected elite Asian-Americans residing in Los Angeles. There is always that lure that these shows bring, same as Keeping up with the Kardashians, The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills/Orange County/Dallas and so on. We are fascinated by their lavish lifestyles, the cars, the yachts, jewelries, designer clothes, handbags, and shoes. However, after we see past all the material belongings and delve into their daily issues and use of their time, it suddenly diminishes our fascination to the possessions they own. I only watched two episodes of this new series and have no plans of proceeding further.
While it is an exaggeration how these shows portray various issues and disagreements to spike up ratings, one can’t help but be disheartened by how superficial their values and beliefs can be. One should not be quick to judge them though as they are born into wealth and spending an extravagant amount for them is normal. The entitlement mentality may have been passed on from one generation to the next. They are not exposed to the hardships of an ordinary person and life’s harsh realities. Their walk-in closet can already be a unit for a family to live in some parts of the world. One of their many luxury cars can already support a village for a year in some impoverished countries. They may not be bothered because they have a different reality and upbringing. The sad part though is the mindset of living in excess and the constant struggle to outdo, outshine and stand out from the rest. It is an endless cycle of proving oneself to fit into the elite circle. Just as poverty can be a difficult state to come out of, the love for fame, money and possessions can also be in the same vicious cycle. It is even sadder to witness those that associate their personal worth to how much they own. How hollow and empty that life can be! It is to be noted that not all rich people are the same. We applaud those that understand that with their status, wealth and privilege comes greater responsibility. We esteem those who are grateful for what they have and give back to the community not for personal recognition but with the genuine intent to help.
If you haven’t read the book of Ecclesiastes, I recommend you do. The author is unknown, but most facts point to King Solomon, the son of King David. If we can recall, the Almighty God appeared in a dream to King Solomon and said that whatever he asks for will be granted. He chose to have a discerning heart to rule Israel wisely. God was so pleased with his request because he did not ask for long life, wealth nor death for his enemies. God granted his wish and promised that there will be no one else as wise as him in his lifetime. Furthermore, God granted him even more wealth and honour that is incomparable with other kings. Regardless of who wrote this book, I really love the wisdom behind it. It may come off as pessimistic yet a lot of insights can be gleaned on from each verse.
As you go through the chapters, you will see this phrase repeated several times – “Meaningless! Meaningless! Everything is Meaningless!”. The author shares many scenarios where efforts are meaningless. These are among those that stood out to me. Love of pleasure - the author indulged in as much pleasure to see if this can give him satisfaction. He drank wine, built grand houses, gardens, parks, bought male and female slaves, amassed silver and gold, acquired a harem and all the delights of a man’s hearts. In the end, he finds this to be pointless. Love of treasures - he mentions of a man with no son or brother but keeps on toiling and not content with his wealth. In the end, he can’t even enjoy what he has. He also adds that whoever loves money, never has enough. He muses - what is the benefit of getting treasures, only to feast your eyes on them. He even reflects in Ecclesiastes 5:12 “The sleep of the laborer is sweet, whether they eat little or much, but as for the rich, their abundance permits them no sleep.” Love of prestige – he mentions about no one remembering the former generations and even those yet to come will not be remembered by those who follow them. There are also multiple hierarchies. One official is eyed by a higher one, and over them both are others higher still. Striving for prestige is futile if this can’t be remembered and even the constant struggle to move up the ladder is an exhaustive undertaking.
Now I hope after reading Ecclesiastes, one should not be overcome by negativity but look deeper on what can turn our efforts around so that we can live with meaning and purpose. The author points out several key lessons. He acknowledges the supreme control of God. He says in Ecclesiastes 3:14 “I know that everything God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it. God does it so that people will fear him.” Be mindful of our actions. Ecclesiastes 3:17 “I said to myself, “God will bring into judgment both the righteous and the wicked, for there will be a time for every activity, a time to judge every deed.” Fear God. Ecclesiastes 12: 13 “Now all has been heard: here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind.”
Pursuing pleasure, wealth and prestige is not wrong, only if these dominate and take control over us. Whatever standing we have in life; let’s remember, we answer to the same God. May this thought allow us not to live precariously. May we be accountable for our actions. May we focus our energies to the more important things in life that has substance and value in the sight of God.
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