Hey Guys (and Girls).
In my constant search for truth and happiness, I am revisiting my thoughts on wealth and success in this life. I have been rather reluctant in proclaiming my desire for riches and monetary independence, but after serious reconsideration and soul-searching, I am starting to believe that it may be ok to strive toward this end. I will attempt to merge spirituality with philosophy. Most may think this is like oil and water, I disagree. Truth is truth. Just because someone proclaims a truth that is not specifically originated in the Holy Bible does not negate the truth of the thought. To begin this trek, I will be reading and reporting my thoughts from the book, “Think and Grow Rich” written by Napoleon Hill in 1937. As in the movie, “Julie, Julia”, I want to take you on the journey with me as I explore my thought processes in my perception of personal wealth and document the trek of acquiring and living a successful life instead of a defeatist attitude and poverty.
There are a plethora of get-rich books on the market, today and I want to avoid jumping on the bandwagon of any trendy “new” revelation. This is why I chose this book to read and study. The author is a direct student of the late Dale Carnegie and reflects his same philosophy. It is not merely larger bank accounts and more “stuff” that defines success. Mr. Hill seems to address this thought as well. I want to also “bounce” his ideas against the scriptures to ensure that nothing is compromised in my spiritual journey. Reading and studying both texts, side by side, I will try to filter bad info and attitudes. I am personally convinced that God, THE Creator of E V E R Y T H I N G, intends for us to be happy serving HIM and wants us to enjoy the blessing of a successful life.
Before we begin this journey/book report, I will establish my current thoughts and perceptions to document my progress (or regress) through my studies. Kinda like a benchmark of sorts. Since I am convinced that “thinking rich” is a deliberate, all-encompassing attitude, I want to merge the biblical wisdom and secular philosophies into a well-rounded conclusion. By this, I intend to allow The Holy Spirit guide my thoughts and attitudes into Abundant LIFE.
The Bible was written to guide us in how to go to heaven and not to restrict us on how the heaven’s go. The Bible assumes basic fundamental truths in human nature and does not “counter” neither Philosophy nor True Sciences. For example: The Bible gives us an example of positive guidance even as far back as Creation and the 10 Commandments. In the Garden of Eden, God told Adam that he could eat of anything in the garden ..EXCEPT from the two trees. God illustrates our rebellious nature and susceptibility to temptation by Adam and Eve partaking of one of the forbidden fruits instead of being content with all the rest of creation. Another example is the negative and positive approached to God’s Laws. The 10 Commandments uses a direct and authoritarian approach to revealing the rules in which we must live (Thou shalt NOT ….) whereas Jesus proclaimed the same rules in a positive light and condensed them into only two basic rules: (1) DO Love GOD with all your existence and (2) DO Love your neighbor as yourself.
The Apostle Paul also embraced the same positive approach in his Letter to the Philippians.( Phil 4:8-9) Instead of merely admonishing them to avoid specific attitudes and thoughts, he ENCOURAGES them to pursue attributes that, if followed, would occupy their time and thoughts that would not allow the time for negative behavior.
I do not see where The Bible opposes positive philosophies, nor do I find where it forbids striving for success. As a matter of fact, I think that Jesus expressed His purpose was to give LIFE more abundantly. (John 10:10) This is not a promise to larger financial statements nor luxurious amenities. But neither does it condemn the search for a fuller, more productive and satisfying earthly existence. By refocusing our values and re-evaluating our priorities, we can then pursue success and happiness in a more efficient and satisfying manner.
Money and material objects are merely tools that we should use to achieve our happiness and success. Jesus warns us that the LOVE of money (and material possessions) is the root of all evil. Do not confuse this warning as saying that the possession of these things are evil. A dollar is neither good nor evil. It is the USE of that dollar or the attitude of the acquiring the dollar that defines right or wrong. Jesus points out it is very easy for us to lose focus on our mission in life and errantly “worship” the creation instead of the Creator.
Jesus even comments on God-given riches (Matt 6:28-29) bestowed on the lilies of the field and the birds of the air as having greater splendor than King Solomon. This indicates to me that we are given permission to enjoy our blessing without feeling guilty of our success. God bestowed material blessings and riches on His faithful as well (Abraham, David and Job as examples). Note that warnings to the rich are directed with the ATTITUDE and PRIORITIES in the acquisition and management of riches and not the actual possessions, themselves. Like I said, objects are merely TOOLS to use in a successful life and should not be the ultimate goal by hoarding and cheating others.
Today, successful people seem to be automatically condemned for their success and immediately assumed to be evil. Their possessions are perceived to be tainted with wrongfull acquisition and achieved at the expense of someone else. While this may be true in many cases, we are not in a position to judge. This pre-judgment is just as wrong as the alleged ill-gotten gains. I confess thatI am as guilty as the next guy in this sin. That is one of the reasons I am looking at HONORABLE ways to elevate my life both spiritually as well as materially. By raising my standard of living, I hope to raise my contributions to society.
So, in conclusion of this post, I solicit ALL your thoughts, comments and assistance in my quest. Please “stay tuned” for my “trip reports” in the chapters to come.
May God Bless You and Yours
Gene
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