“For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, where unto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.” 1 Timothy 6:7-12
Andrew Carnegie was the second richest man in the US in 1901. He was an industrialist /steel tycoon and the owner/ recipient of the largest corporate transaction in U.S. history (until the recent buyout of GM), when he sold, what is now known as U.S. Steel, for almost $500 million in gold bonds. In today's market, that $500 million transaction would give him a net worth of more than $275 billion dollars. He was considered a shrewd businessman who literally emerged from "rags to riches," educating himself in business, philosophy, and philanthropy.
The thing that fascinates me about Andrew Carnegie was his position on wealth. He thought money was a worthless idol of the worst kind. He wrote, "...The amassing of wealth is one of the worse species of idolatry. No idol is more debasing than the worship of money …the man who dies rich, dies disgraced."
A truly introspective quote from the man who commissioned the book Think & Grow Rich, by Napoleon Hill; and endowed more than $200 million upon his death to charities that still continue to benefit today from his philanthropy. He believed you should spend the first 3rd of your life in the pursuit of knowledge, getting all the education you could afford; the second 3rd in the pursuit of money; and, the last 3rd of your life, giving it all to charity. -This is of course, assuming you live, he died at 83.
While he was alive, he gave most of his money away to those interested in helping others. He built both Carnegie-Mellon University, and Carnegie Hall; and, he paid for and built all the public libraries in most of the United States.
What does this have to do with Jesus? What does this have to do with being a Christian in a world steeped in subcultures and the pursuit of the all-mighty-dollar? -Nothing!
Like Andrew Carnegie, we will all return to the dust we emerged from. The Bible doesn’t say that money is evil; it says, “...the love of money is the root of all evil.” So, spend your time wisely; it’s always shorter than you think. Use your pursuits to help those who need it. It’s true; we have to eat, and we deserve to live exquisitely; but, in our attempt to live well, let’s not forget to Love God, Have Faith, Laugh often, and Love much. L.
Study Reference: 1 Timothy 6:7-12
From:"The Pursuit of Happiness." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: el sembrador
Andrew Carnegie was the second richest man in the US in 1901. He was an industrialist /steel tycoon and the owner/ recipient of the largest corporate transaction in U.S. history (until the recent buyout of GM), when he sold, what is now known as U.S. Steel, for almost $500 million in gold bonds. In today's market, that $500 million transaction would give him a net worth of more than $275 billion dollars. He was considered a shrewd businessman who literally emerged from "rags to riches," educating himself in business, philosophy, and philanthropy.
The thing that fascinates me about Andrew Carnegie was his position on wealth. He thought money was a worthless idol of the worst kind. He wrote, "...The amassing of wealth is one of the worse species of idolatry. No idol is more debasing than the worship of money …the man who dies rich, dies disgraced."
A truly introspective quote from the man who commissioned the book Think & Grow Rich, by Napoleon Hill; and endowed more than $200 million upon his death to charities that still continue to benefit today from his philanthropy. He believed you should spend the first 3rd of your life in the pursuit of knowledge, getting all the education you could afford; the second 3rd in the pursuit of money; and, the last 3rd of your life, giving it all to charity. -This is of course, assuming you live, he died at 83.
While he was alive, he gave most of his money away to those interested in helping others. He built both Carnegie-Mellon University, and Carnegie Hall; and, he paid for and built all the public libraries in most of the United States.
What does this have to do with Jesus? What does this have to do with being a Christian in a world steeped in subcultures and the pursuit of the all-mighty-dollar? -Nothing!
Like Andrew Carnegie, we will all return to the dust we emerged from. The Bible doesn’t say that money is evil; it says, “...the love of money is the root of all evil.” So, spend your time wisely; it’s always shorter than you think. Use your pursuits to help those who need it. It’s true; we have to eat, and we deserve to live exquisitely; but, in our attempt to live well, let’s not forget to Love God, Have Faith, Laugh often, and Love much. L.
Study Reference: 1 Timothy 6:7-12
From:"The Pursuit of Happiness." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: el sembrador
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