Nothing Left

Karl Rabeder, an Austrian businessman, wants out of his riches. In an article written by Henry Samuel in Paris dated February 10, 2010, it says that with a fortune of 3.4 million euro, the 47-year old has so far sold his six gliders valued at 400,000 euro and his interior furnishings and accessories business. A villa overlooking the Alps and a stone farmhouse with 17 hectares are up for sale.

 

He came to realize the emptiness of his life while going on a 3-week vacation with his wife in Hawaii. “It was the biggest shock of my life, when I realized how horrible, soulless and without feeling the five-star lifestyle is. In those three weeks, we spent all the money we could possibly spend. But in all that time, we had the feeling we hadn’t met a single real person – that we were all just actors. The staff played the role of being friendly and the guests played the role of being important and nobody was real.”

He will be living in small wooden hut with money just enough to survive decently, while the rest of his wealth will go to a charity he set up in Latin America.”My idea is to have nothing left. Absolutely nothing. Money is counterproductive – it prevents happiness.”

 

Rabeder does not fault those who continue to amass wealth: “I do not have the right to give any other person advice. I was just listening to the voice of my heart and soul.”  Surely the message he received was: “Those who love money will never have enough. How meaningless to think that wealth brings true happiness!”(Ecclesiastes 5:10)

 

God does not look down upon those who have wealth, but we are warned of the harm it may bring. “Trust in your money and down you go!” (Proverbs 11:28)  We are also told that if we use our money not just for ourselves, but share these with others, one can be given more so he can share to more. “Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the best part of everything you produce. Then he will fill your barns with grain.” (Proverbs 3:9-10) 

 

Rabeder, knowingly or unknowingly, is teaching us a Gospel truth: “Teach those who are rich in this world not be proud and not to trust their money, which is so unreliable. Their trust should be in God...Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and generous to those in need, always being ready to share with others. By doing this they will be storing up their treasure as a good foundation for the future.” (1Timothy 1:17-1)

by Mel Libre