I just read this in The Week . . . Mukesh Ambani, an Indian petrochemical magnate, has built the world’s first billion-dollar residence, in Mumbai. The 27-story skyscraper, towering over the slums downtown, has 400,000 square feet of space and such amenities as a movie theater, an “ice room” with man-made snow flurries, a four-story open garden with trees, nine elevators, three helipads, and six stories of parking space for guests and the 600 staff.
Talk about a home with a view. 1 billion dollars to overlook the slums of the city. There’s something not right about this . . . How could someone spend 1 billion dollars on a personal residence with poverty all around them?
But then there’s my home. Not nearly a billion dollars. But I too have a view–a view of poverty all around me in this world.
Just wanting to make sure that as I enjoy my relative luxury in this world that I don’t become desensitized to those in need around me.
And we think the gap between the wealthy and the poor is bad in this country.
But you are correct, most of us are extremely wealthy compared to someone else, whether they live in the same town, state, or country.
Still, this “residence” in Mumbai is a great reminder for us all to not lose perspective.
Thanks. The RiverTree Facebook page asks what we’re thankful for…I’m
thankful for the asset blessed individuals I know that use their wealth for the Lord.
I visited a donor two weeks ago that was a multi-millionaire and gifted our ministry 500K last month. I had the honor of driving up a hand-delivered “thank you” note. I expected to drive up to a decked out house. His residence was slightly nicer than mine and his car was less expensive than my wife’s 10 year old Camry. I was humbled by his example and drove home a better man having met him.
I’m thankful for a God that cares about the poor and lost and calls us to be part of that.
Pastor Adam Barton
Akron, Ohio