«The lazy man does not mast what he took in hunting, but diligence is man’s precious possession» (Proverbs 12:27).
WORK
Coming from Lebanon in the early twentieth century and not knowing how to speak Spanish, Julian Slim arrived in Mexico when he was only fourteen years old. His tremendous bravery and fighting spirit helped him pull through in a society that was completely different from the reality he had known. So, together with his brothers he managed to prosper financially in the midst of the Mexican Revolution. By the year 1921, La estrella del oriente, the family’s business, was already selling above a hundred thousand dollars and Julian had bought eleven properties in downtown Mexico City. In 1926, Julian married Linda Helü. From that marriage Carlos, a very restless boy from a young age, would be born. According to Carlos himself, when he was still very little, his father came to him, placed a large bill in his hand and told him,
«Son, do you see this bill? It’s worth a lot. But what’s important is not what it’s worth, but what you’ll do with it.»
The boy looked straight at his father, who went on saying,
«What will you do with the money, son? You can spend it on candy, you can keep it in a drawer or you can double it.»
«Really?» asked the boy with eyes sparkling with excitement.
«Of course! You can do it.»
Carlos took the money and went off to buy several bags of candy. Then he sold them to his friends and, a short time later, had doubled the amount his father had given him! Then, he realized what he could do with money. From that day on, he began to acquire his own capital, while he was still a boy!
I met Carlos Slim Helü during an evangelistic series held in the City of Mexico when he was one of the richest men in the world. The brilliant businessman especially liked to talk with young students to instill in them perseverance, an entrepreneurial spirit and a healthy attitude toward money. In spite of being tremendously rich, he was a very humble person. I’ll never forget his words when he encouraged us to face life, «Don’t be afraid of economic crises, boys. There’s always an opportunity to prosper, even in those scenarios.»
Does it seem like you live in a place with great economic disadvantage? Do you feel you’re condemned to poverty because of your social origins? Set those attitudes aside, invite the Lord to be part of your work life and adopt a diligent attitude. You’ll surely see big results soon!
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Take From: Daily Devotions for Youth 2020
«A New You»
From: Alejandro Medina Villareal
Collaborators: Gezer Noria & Misael Morillo
