Think and grow rich
By Jim Durkin
The ungodly may also use biblical principles, as seen in Luke 16, ‘the children of this world are wiser in their generation than the children of light.’ ‘Use your worldly resources to benefit others and make friends, so that when your possessions are gone, they will welcome you to an eternal home’. The ones to whom these principles are given do not use them, and unbelievers stumble upon these principles and go on to prosperity.
Andrew Carnegie, the steel magnate from the 19th century, among others were interviewed by Napoleon Hill, the author of ‘Think and Grow Rich’, the principles of which almost parallel those in the Word of God. The following is taken out of this book, definite practical steps referring only to money, fix your mind on the exact goal, determine exactly what you intend to give for the money you desire, as there is no such thing as something for nothing (directly from unsaved sources). Establish a definite date when you intend to possess the money you desire. Create a definite plan for carrying out your desire and decide when you are ready to carry out your plan. Therefore, there needs to be a clear goal to allow for definite movement. Read your written statement aloud, twice daily, as you read, see and feel and believe yourself already in possession of the money.
It starts with desire, which leads to an abstract plan, which leads to a concrete plan that has been created and organized. Ally yourself with a group of as many people that you may need to accomplish the plan for the accumulation of money. Before these alliances, figure out what you can give to these people in return. This is a principle of reciprocity, give, and it should be given unto you. Arrange to meet at least twice weekly until the plan is perfected and maintain perfect harmony between yourself and each group member. If this fails, you may expect to meet with inevitable failure.
To ensure success, you must have faultless plans, the advantage of experience, education, native ability and imagination of other minds. This is in harmony with the methods followed by everyone who has accumulated a great fortune. If this plan fails to work, replace it with another and continue until you find one that does work. The most intelligent man living cannot succeed in accumulating money or any other undertaking without practical and workable plans. Temporary defeats are not a permanent failure, as it means there is something wrong with the plan. Millions of men go through life in poverty because they lack a sound strategy. Your achievement can be no greater than your plans are sound. If you give up before your goal is reached, you are a quitter, a quitter never wins, and a winner never quits. Power may be defined as organized and intelligently directed knowledge. It is acquired through infinite intelligence, accumulated experience, and experimental research. The Mastermind may be defined as the coordination of knowledge and effort in a spirit of harmony between two or more people to attain a definite purpose. No individual may have great power without availing himself of the Mastermind. Mr. Carnegie attributed his entire fortune to the power of his Mastermind group of 50 men.
When our lives as Christians reflect the very nature of Christ, we work in harmony in every area. We become peacemakers, our children and lives become blessed. Financially and spiritually, we can work towards our purpose in unity.
