What Did Charles Feeney Do with His Wealth?

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Charles Feeney is one of the founders of Duty-Free Shoppers. He puts most his wealth into a nonprofit foundation and donates it to charity. He makes all his donations with cashier’s checks -anonymously–so no one ever knows where the money comes from. Feeney is not like the rich young ruler who came to Jesus for advice. The young rabbi wanted to know what to do to have eternal life. Jesus quoted several of the Ten Commandments, and told the young man to keep them if he wanted to have eternal life. “I’ve obeyed all these,” the young man replied. What else must I do? Then Jesus said, “If you want to be perfect, go and sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” But when the young man heard this, he went away sad, for he had many possessions.” Based on other teachings of Jesus, the Lord did not mean he could earn his way to heaven. Rather, his outward actions would reflect true faith and submission to God. It was clear that he had no such faith when he turned to walk away from Jesus. Jesus rocked his boat. He walked away sad and dejected because he loved his money more than he loved God. We must let nothing come between God and us.