Over the past couple of weeks, we've been sharing the 12 Things That Make Men Rich, found in a study that took author Napoleon Hill 20 years to research. His book "Think and Grow Rich" has sold millions and millions of copies worldwide, and much of his work includes biblical principles.
What an excellent time for the next principle to show up, at Thanksgiving, a time when we usually are even more willing to share with others than usual. However, this is a principle that should flourish year round, according to research by Hill, in his list of the 12 Things That Make Men Rich. If you want to be rich, try principle No. 7.
The 7th principle is "Willingness to share ones blessings with others." Scripture reminds us, "It is more blessed to give than to receive." Another scripture reminds us, "I was hungry and you didn't feed me, I was in prison and you did not see about me."
No matter how many houses and how much land you accumulate, you can't take it with you; therefore, it would behoove you to be willing to share your blessings with others, and I don't mean in such a way that is minor, and what you're giving is really not a blessing, maybe you're only giving something you don't want, and not necessarily something that the receiver really needs. Don't hold on to millions upon millions of dollars, as you watch it grow daily; you must be very careful with that, scripture says, "You have your reward!"
The 8th principle is "To be engaged in a labor of love." If you have something that you absolutely love to do, and in fact you enjoy doing it all the time, you'll do it for free; you then are engaged in a labor of love. Many times we receive little or no pay for the thing we enjoy doing well, yet we would continue to do it with or without pay. When you find yourself doing that kind of work, it's indeed a labor of love. This is a success principle, keep up the good work!
For example, over the past 10 years, I've enjoyed planning special events, especially for my church. I'm always thrilled and delighted to do so because I enjoy my work, and there's no fee associated with it. God will reward each of us who gives of our time and talent to help the church, the community, and our fellow man. As we go about helping others the way Dr. Martin Luther King and Mother Teresa did; they were not millionaires, yet both gave their lives for others, in a labor of love.
The 9th principle is the fact that we must have "An open mind on all subjects toward all people." You ask, "Why should I do that since I don't agree with them?" Well, the answer is, none of us knows everything about all things, it's humanly impossible. Therefore, when we listen to others with an open mind, with understanding, whether we agree or not, we often learn some information that can sway our thinking, even if it's only gaining a new perspective from someone with a different opinion.
Don't expect to become successful when you think small either. You should notice how principle reminds us to have an open mind on all subjects, toward all people. We must listen with understanding, twice as much as we talk; our president did an outstanding job at that. Some of us may not have agreed with him, but he determined, "I will be the president for all of the people, no matter what their race, creed, color, sexual orientation or socioeconomic level." It appears, he said, "My job is to serve all people"; a success principle indeed! And it works.
Lyndia Grant is a speaker and radio talk show host on WYCB, 1340 AM, Fridays at 6 p.m., Think on These Things radio talk show, call 202-518-3192 for comments.