Living For the Right Reasons

Jesus replied, “Man, who appointed me a judge or an arbiter between you?” Luke 12:14

It is said that in 1923 seven of the world’s most successful men met at a Chicago hotel: the president of the largest independent steel company, the president of the largest utility company, the greatest wheat speculator, the president of the New York Stock Exchange, a member of the President’s Cabinet, the president of the Bank of International Settlements and the president of the world’s greatest monopoly. Collectively these tycoons controlled more money than there was in the United States’ Treasury. Now, fast forward 25 years and let’s see what happened to them. Charles Schwab, president of the largest independent steel company, lived the last five years of his life on borrowed money and died a pauper. Arthur Cooger, the greatest wheat speculator, shot himself. Richard Whitney, president of the New York Stock Exchange, spent three years in prison. Albert Fall, a member of the President’s cabinet, went to prison for bribery. Leon Fraser, president of the U.S. Bank of International Settlements, shot himself. Ivan Kreuger, head of one of the world’s largest monopolies, also committed suicide. If the recent economic upheaval has taught us anything, it’s that money brings neither security nor happiness. Yes, God will entrust you with HIS money (Deuteronomy 8:18). And He will do it for two reasons: 1) Because He delights in seeing His redeemed children blessed to be a blessing to others (Psalms 35:27). 2) Because He expects you to use your money to reach a hurting world with God’s love. If you keep those two things in mind, you’ll be living for the right reasons.

Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to always remember I am blessed to be a blessing to others and all that I possess is not mine but Thine’s. In Jesus’ Name, Amen