III. Abram, whilst “very rich,” highly VALUED “A GOOD NAME.”
IV. Abram, whilst “very rich,” TAUGHT HIS CHILDREN TO TRUST, not in uncertain riches, but IN THE LIVING GOD who gave them richly all things to enjoy.
V. Whilst “very rich,” he was VERY GENEROUS.
VI. Whilst “very rich” Abram did not forget that his riches were NOT HIS OWN.
VII. Whilst “very rich” in earthly possessions, HE SET NOT HIS HEART UPON THEM. Conclusion:
1. It is a very noticeable and suggestive fact, that the thought of the earthly riches of Abram has a very limited place in the minds of men.
2. Rich or poor in this world, we all need to be poor in spirit.
3. Rich or poor, we may have “durable riches” through Jesus Christ. (Joseph Elliot.)
Riches to be made useful to others
Wherefore doth the Lord make your cup run over, but that other men’s lips might taste the liquor? The showers that fall upon the highest mountains should glide into the lowest valleys. (T. Secker.)
What can wealth do?
The following story is told of Jacob Ridgeway, a wealthy citizen of Philadelphia, who died many years ago, leaving a fortune of five or six million dollars. “Mr. Ridgeway,” said a young man with whom the millionaire was conversing, “you are more to be envied than any gentleman I know.” “Why so?” responded Mr. Ridgeway; “I am not aware of any cause for which I should be particularly envied.” “What, sir!” exclaimed the young man in astonishment. “Why you are a millionaire! Think of the thousands your income brings every month!” “Well, what of that?” replied Mr. Ridgeway. “All I get out of it is my victuals and clothes, and I can’t eat more than one man’s allowance and wear more than a suit at a time. Pray can’t you do as much?” “Ah, but,” said the youth, “think of the hundreds of fine houses you own, and the rentals they bring you.” “What better am I off for that?” replied the rich man. “I can only live in one house at a time; as for the money I receive for rents, why I can’t eat it or wear it; I can only use it to buy other houses for other people to live in; they are the beneficiaries, not I.” “But you can buy splendid furniture, and costly pictures, and fine carriages and horses--in fact, anything you desire.” “And after I have bought them,” responded Mr. Ridgeway, “what then? I can only look at the furniture and pictures, and the poorest man, who is not blind, can do the same. I can ride no easier in a fine carriage than you can in an omnibus for five cents, without the trouble of attending to drivers, footmen, and ostlers; and as to anything I ‘desire,’ I can tell you, young man, that the less we desire in this world, the happier we shall be. All my wealth can’t buy a single day more of life--cannot buy back my youth--cannot procure me power to keep afar off the hour of death; and then, what will all avail, when in a few short years at most, I lie down in the grave and leave it all forever? Young man, you have no cause to envy me.”
