James 5:1-6
He gave away $8 billion and is known as the “World’s Most Secretive Billionaire.” He preferred flying economy, wore a $10 watch, carried his documents in a plastic sack, lived in a modest apartment, and aimed to die poor. He famously said he hoped the last check he ever wrote would bounce. He was Warren Buffett's hero. The philosophy of “giving while living” was his life’s mission.
His name was Chuck Feeney, and he was born into a struggling Irish-American family in New Jersey during the Great Depression. Feeney joined the Air Force and was stationed in Japan before he found his way to Ivy League Cornell University - quite a feat for a first-generation college student! He made his fortune by co-founding Duty Free Shoppers, a chain of airport stores, along with a college friend. And while he lived the billionaire's lifestyle for a time, he found no satisfaction in it and turned to philanthropy.
He said, “I cannot think of a more personally rewarding and appropriate use of wealth than to give while one is living - to personally devote oneself to meaningful efforts to improve the human condition.”
And that he did. His money quietly funded educational and public health programs across the world, as well as many human rights initiatives.
What made his philanthropy extraordinary was his anonymity. For decades, he gave in secret through The Atlantic Philanthropies. His inner circle ensured no one ever knew the generous donor on the other side. Only in 1997 did his identity as a major philanthropist become public, not on purpose, but through litigation and a breaking news article.
Feeney wholeheartedly possessed attributes reflecting Jesus’ teachings: giving away wealth, giving in secret, and living modestly. He grew up Catholic and was influenced by his charitable mother. Perhaps the verses below, and similar ones throughout the Bible, influenced him as well.
“Now listen, you rich people, weep and wail because of the misery that is coming on you. Your wealth has rotted, and moths have eaten your clothes. Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and eat your flesh like fire. You have hoarded wealth in the last days. Look! The wages you failed to pay the workers who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord Almighty. You have lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence. You have fattened yourselves in the day of slaughter. You have condemned and murdered the innocent one, who was not opposing you.” James 5:1-6 (NIV)
Questions for Reflection:
- James 5:1-6 makes us pause, right?
- Why do you think God gives us money?
- Some say money management is a reflection of our heart management. Would you agree?
Prayer:
Dear God,
Help us to use the gifts you provide to advance Your kingdom. Remind us not to be hoarders but to be conduits through which generosity flows. Thank you for people like Chuck Feeney, who impacted countless lives. May we all live with a compassionate, charitable, and humble mindset. Amen.
Login To Leave Comment