Warren Buffett's Partner Ponders Death and Wealth
Warren Buffett has publicly referred to Charlie Munger as his partner at Berkshire Hathaway. Like Buffett, Munger is busy giving away much of his fortune to help various institutions and organizations do the work they do. In a recent discussion with the local newspaper here in Omaha, Munger said something incredibly profound. In fact, his comment is right in line with a principle we find throughout the Bible.
In reference to all the money he is giving away, this 89-year-old man stated, "I won't need it where I'm going."
Those 7 words speak volumes not only for Charlie, but for each of us. Munger and Buffett often share tidbits of financial knowledge, but this one was especially insightful and direct.
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It reminds me of Christ's words: "What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul?" (Matthew 16:26) Even the richest man in the world leaves this earth naked, just like he entered it. And either his soul is covered in the righteousness of Christ through faith in the Lord, (see Romans 3:9-31) or his soul is as naked as his body and therefore lost.
In the same interview, Munger stated: "My thinking is, I'm not immortal." The Christian response to that statement is simply, "Yes Charlie, you are immortal. That is, your soul is immortal. Your body is 89 years old, but your soul is not aging. It will exist forever in one of two places."
This is why so many of us say things like, "But I feel as young today as I did when I was 25." That is because our soul does not age.
Here is another revealing comment Charlie made to the newspaper: "There's nothing as insignificant as an extra $2 billion to an old man." This statement highlights the futility of wealth at the end of a person's life.
Whether Munger grasps the reality of his eternal soul or not, his thoughts present an honest assessment of money at the end of life. If only we would live our entire lives with this view of money, and see that true riches are found in a relationship with the Savior. Only Christ can satisfy our soul, and only He can bring us to paradise at the end of our life on earth.
Warren Buffett and Charlie Munger are among the richest people in the world. And yet, both of them realize that their riches cannot buy them eternal life. Their time here on earth is running out, just like it is for each of us.
Some people see the "bridge to heaven" through the eyes of faith, while others don't see it. (see Matthew 7:13,14) Some are crossing over into heaven, and others are remaining behind in unbelief. I am currently teaching through the book of Hebrews in a Sunday Bible class. Interestingly, a verse we will look at this weekend states, "So we see that they were not able to enter because of their unbelief." (Hebrews 3:19)
Some people are able to enter "the promised land" of heaven, while others are not able to do so. Some people are forgiven of their sins as they stand on God's promises, while others remain spiritually dead in their sin. Some souls are saved, while other souls are lost.
The Bible tells us, "Wealth is worthless in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death." (Proverbs 11:4) No amount of money can cover your soul and make it as white as snow in God's eyes. Only the righteousness of Christ can do that as a person trusts in Jesus for salvation.
Are you someone who places a lot of emphasis on money? If so, remember the words of Charlie Munger: "I won't need it where I'm going." That is also true for you my friend. What you will need, however, in order to get into heaven is a relationship with Jesus Christ through faith. The Lord would love to begin that relationship with you today.
Would you like to start getting to know Christ personally? Time is slipping away, just like all of your money will slip away one day. You don't have to be caught dead without a lifeline to heaven. And you don't have to live life as though money is the answer to your deepest needs.
At the end of your life, it won't matter whether your bank account is a whopping $2 billion, or a measly $2 dollars. All that will matter is whether or not you possess spiritual riches. Charlie Munger at 89 years of age knows he won't need money where he is going. Do you realize the same thing for yourself, or do you feel "too young" to even consider such issues?
Charlie Munger and Warren Buffett were once young men. How quickly time flies. "What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes." (James 4:14) But always remember: The souls of Munger and Buffett are not aging, and neither is yours.
