Disinterest

Thomas Clayton Wolfe (American novelist in the early 20th century) wrote, “You have reached the pinnacle of success as soon as you become uninterested in money, compliments, or publicity.”

This describes Mr. Ato Acosta, once the top honcho of his many firms, but who is now—in his own words—blissfully retired. 

Still strong at age 79, he prefers to stay home with his wife, read history books, or go to the mall for coffee and subtly introduce the Gospel to his seatmate.    

“What should I do with these?” his wife asked, gesturing to the plaques and trophies lined up on shelves. 

“Sell them,” he said, laughing.   

“How much for each?” his wife joked.  

“How about P100 for the whole lot?” he bantered. 

Once upon a time, Mr. Ato loved the adulation and honor for his achievements. But now, he valued his freedom—from the expectations to have more of everything. He has lost interest in money, compliments, or publicity.

The opposite happened to Saul (1 Samuel 15). Before he was anointed as king by Samuel, he was a nobody in Israel. But as king, he honored himself with a monument.  

Samuel confronted Saul (verse 7, NLT), “Although you were once small in your own eyes, did you not become the head of the tribes of Israel? The Lord anointed you king . . . and sent you on a mission . . . Why did you not obey the Lord? Why did you pounce on the plunder . . .?’”   

King Saul wallowed in his own self-importance, valuing money (plunder), compliments (honor), and publicity (recognition). 

Mr. Ato lost interest in everything, except in giving honor to the Source of grace, the Source of everything he ever had.    

He says, “I avoid craving for accolades and instead give importance to the One deserving of my praise.”