Philanthropy

Philanthropy is one of the most noblest things one can do. The giving of your time and money takes courage and a belief in something bigger than yourself. There was a lot of great philanthropists that gave of their money and time in support of this nation. Andrew Carniege was one of the greatest philanthropists that ever lived. He gave most of his wealth away before he died. By the time of his death, Andrew Carnegie, despite his best efforts, wasn’t able to give away his entire fortune. He had distributed $350 million, but had $30 million left, which went into the Corporation’s endowment according to the american library. He believed in the “Gospel of Wealth,” which meant that wealthy people were morally obligated to give their money back to others in society.

Carnegie had made some charitable donations before 1901, but after that time, giving his money away became his new occupation. In 1902 he founded the Carnegie Institution to fund scientific research and established a pension fund for teachers with a $10 million donation. His goal was to give to causes that made the best impact on the world. He also commissioned Napoleon Hill to write a book for ordinary people called  Think and Grow Rich . Changing the minds of men and women to become wealthy and give back to the world. There are a couple of notably wealthy people that have committed to giving away their wealth during their life and at their death like Bill Gates and Warren Buffet. Some conspiracy theorists think rich people don’t give away their wealth and that they give it to their children or pets. I don’t believe when philanthropist give they will be giving away their wealth in vain. The bible speaks of giving to the poor and that God will repay you. “Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed”(Proverbs 19:17) We should all remember that we can’t take our wealth with us.

Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also (Matthew 6:19-23). The Bible also says that its more blessing to give than receive. I believe this is the secret to getting in one of those mansions in Heaven.
In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. (John 14:2)

Philanthropy will not get you in heaven but your treasures will be waiting for you. There are billions of people and millions of causes that deserve our support.

Charity is the pure love of Christ. It is the love that Christ has for the children of men and that the children of men should have for one another. It is the highest, noblest, and strongest kind of love and the most joyous to the soul. One doesn’t have to be rich to be a philanthropist you just have to have a heart for charity.