Acquiring Wealth, Then What?

Warren Buffett, ranked as the 5th richest man in the world by Forbes with an estimated $168 billion, announced Saturday at a shareholders meeting that he is retiring as the CEO of Berkshire-Hathaway.

The 94-old investor, known as the “Oracle of Omaha” because of his “exceptional investment acumen and ability to predict market trends,” has pledged to give away 99.5% of wealth either during his lifetime or after his death through a trust overseen by his children.

While Buffet’s announcement at the end of a 4.5 hour question and answer session, shocked shareholders, it shouldn’t be a surprise. As my Mom often said in the last years of her life, “We’re not put on this earth to live forever.” Buffet knows his days are numbered. And so are the days of each of us (Heb. 9:27).

Another saying, I heard growing up on the farm in central Indiana, is “you can’t take it with you.” Buffet is wise to have a strategy to dispose of his wealth. Plus he is to be commended for using his vast resources for charitable and humanitarian causes.

Buffet’s news triggers these thoughts for your reflection today.

#1 Acquiring wealth is not wrong.

Some Christians act as if all rich people are sinners. Often the problems of this world are blamed on the wealthy. However, God does not view wealth in itself as wrong.

Some of the the greatest Old Testament Bible characters were wealthy. Abraham. Isaac. Jacob. Job. Furthermore, God intentionally blessed Solomon not only with wisdom, but also riches and honor (1 Kings 3:10-14).

In the New Testament Philemon was apparently a wealthy man and so was Mary, the mother of John Mark, who evidently had a large home with servants. Joseph of Arimathea was a man of means who claimed the body of Jesus and buried Him in a tomb he provided. There were wealthy people to whom Paul told Timothy to admonish them to be “ready to give, willing to share,” and “to do good (1 Tim. 6:18-19)

# 2 We are to be good stewards of our wealth.

The Bible principle of stewardship reminds us that all riches ultimately belong to God (Deut. 10:14; Hag. 2:8). He has entrusted them to us to use for our benefit, the blessing of others, and to His glory. He is the owner. I am the manager. Thus, I am called to be a “good and faithful servant” (Matt. 25:23).

When we use our material resources as God’s stewards we not only provide for the needs of our family (1 Tim. 6:8), but support the Lord’s work (1 Cor. 16:1-2) help fellow Christians (2 Cor. 8), and do good for all people (Gal. 6:10).

#3 Don’t Put Your Trust in Wealth.

To those who were materially rich, Paul warned that “the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil.” He further admonished them to seek godliness with contentment. Not to be greedy. To resist arrogance. And not “to trust in uncertain riches” (1 Tim. 6:6-19).

#4 Focus on Eternal Riches.

Regardless of the size of our investment portfolio, our real estate holdings, or the cash in our bank account, we can each lay up treasures in heaven (Matt. 6:19-21). Paul ended his exhoration to Timothy regarding the rich by saying they can store up “for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.”

Use whatever you have, a little or a lot, to serve others and glorify God. Furthermore, an inordinate desire for wealth will ultimately lead to our downfall and eternal disappointment. Jesus said, “For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Matt. 16:24).

The words of my favorite author Anonymous offers this important perspective.

Out of this life I shall never take
Things of silver and gold I make.
All that I cherish and hoard away
After I leave, on this earth must stay.

All that I gather, and all that I keep
I must leave behind when I fall asleep.

And I often wonder what I shall own
In that other life, when I pass alone.
What shall they find, and what
Shall they see, in the soul that
Answers the call for me?

Shall the great judge learn
When my task is through,
That my spirit has gained some riches too?
Or shall at last, it be mine to find
That all I’d worked for is left behind?

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman