Being a billionaire is an impressive achievement. But, what's more impressive is being both a billionaire and a Christian at the same time. It has been repeated over and over again in the Bible that money is the root of all evil, which makes these Christian billionaires all the more inspiring. Learn who these people are, what they own, and how the Christian faith helps them deal with success.
1. David Green
While many billionaires will choose to buy real estate, expensive cars, and private jets, David Green has a different thing in mind. Owner and founder of Hobby Lobby, Green is the largest evangelical benefactor in the world. According to Forbes, he has already given more than $500 million to religious causes as of 2012.
Green has always been outspoken about his faith. In an interview with Forbes, he said "So I have learned to say, 'Look, this is yours, God. It's all yours. I'm going to give it to you.' " In the same interview, he also said that 90 percent of his company will go to the ministry if the company undergoes a sale or dissolution. Further, he also sponsors the YouVersion Bible app, which is free to download.
2. Jin Sook
Jin Sook is one of the co-founders of Forever 21, the other founder being her husband Do Won Chang. Sook was raised in a born-again Christian family and revealed to The Guardian that when she came to the U.S., she went to the top of a mountain to pray. That's when God told her to open a fashion retail store. Since then, Forever21 prints the verse John 3:16 on their bags, hoping to spread God's word and make a statement.
3. Bill Gates
A man who needs no introduction, Bill Gates is one of the world's richest men. The founder of Microsoft has pursued various philanthropic causes under their own non-profit foundation. In an interview with Relevant Magazine, Bill spoke about how important his religious beliefs are to him and his whole family, with them all attending the same church. Further, he also mentioned that "...it makes sense to believe in God."
4. Mary Kay Ash
Mary Kay Ash is the founder of Mary Kay Cosmetics and one of the most successful female entrepreneurs in the U.S. Although she has retired from the business, it is still important to look back on how she was able to find success. Ash started with a $5,000 investment. Her company's motto is "God first, family second, career third." This helped her grow her business and provide women with unlimited opportunity for personal and financial success, according to Crosswalk. Mary Kay also applied biblical principles to the workplace, even including Scripture verses in the company's monthly magazine.
5. Stefan Persson
H&M, one of the most loved brands in the world is owned by a Christian. Stefan Persson, the wealthiest Swedish in the world, is part of the Lutheran church. His principle behind the clothing line is to keep the designs simple and elegant, which is also what the Lutheran tradition teaches.
