June 20, 2016 (Monday)
CNN published an article about the ten richest actresses. At the top of the list every year is Dina Merrill, whose net worth is $5 billion. She has appeared on stage and screen and at one time in her 
life was very well known by the general public, having appeared with many famous people in well-known movies, popular stage productions and many television roles. But she did not make all her money in entertainment. In fact, she was born to wealthy parents and has inherited their fortunes.
Reminds me of the TV commercial, “We make money the old-fashioned way; we earn it.” That line was spoofed by comics who quoted it with changes: “We made our money the old-fashioned way; we inherited it.”
She is known for her philanthropy, working with organizations actively involved in issues involving health and helping the disadvantaged, as well as projects contributing to the arts.
Dina Merrill is now 92 years old. When she is gone, someone else will lay claim to her riches. That’s the way things work. That fact reminds me of a story that Jesus told about a rich man facing imminent death. God asked him, “Now who will get what you’ve accumulated?”
You probably have computed your net worth as you prepare for the inevitability. After you are gone, what will people remember about you? Your net worth? Probably not. We will leave it all behind. Everyone will, sooner or later.
It’s a good idea to think of what Jesus taught us about this. Here’s what he said: “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:19-21 NIV).