SABBATH - Faith, Oil and Passion, John Davison Rockefeller,

Bible study, regular church and prayer services gave Rockefeller a solid foundation of values upon which to build Standard Oil

By the time he died in 1937, John Davison Rockefeller Sr., an American oil industry business magnate, industrialist, and philanthropist was considered to be the wealthiest American of all time and the richest person in modern history with a fortune estimated at US$336B.

The story of Rockefeller's rise to power, his development of Standard Oil, is inspiring and challenging at the same time. From his humble start as an accountant in Cleveland, Ohio, Rockefeller, saved money and purchased a small refinery. Although his only formal training was a ten week course in accounting, his ability to recognize the future of oil and wisdom (business acumen) he claimed as a gift from God, eventually allowed Standard Oil control 90% of the energy complex in America.

"If you want to succeed you should strike out on new paths, rather than travel the worn paths of accepted success." John D. Rockefeller.

Such a large position in one industry sector drove the US government to breakup the Standard Oil empire. This divestment inevitably determined Rockefeller would become the father of today’s most powerful oil companies; British Petroleum, Chevron, ConocoPhillips and Exxon Mobil.

In July of 2014, Carl O'Donnell, wrote a FORBES article entitled, 'The Rockefellers: The Legacy Of History's Richest Man' which provides a sense of how widespread the influence of this man became.

A more detailed account of Rockefeller as well as an illumination of the development of the energy business is found in an Oxford publication, by Grant Segall, entitled 'John D. Rockefeller: Anointed with Oil'.

For the most part, John Rockefeller Sr. did not enjoy a positive public image. There are many reasons, including the tumultuous social changes of the  industrial revolution. Today, monopolies in a particular market sector attract  similar activities to restrict the influence they have. Big tech companies like MicroSoft, Facebook, Amazon and Google so significantly change the social paradigm they attract negative or regulating activities which some think will protect the consumer.

However history judges John D. Rockefeller, the fact that he used his wealth to create a legacy of service, education and social justice is unassailable. Many of his contributions are not well known because of his indifference to having the Rockefeller name attached to his generous gifts. Rockefeller's faith convinced him these philanthropic activities were a responsibility he had under God. 

Perhaps the greatest legacy Rockefeller left the world was passing his passion and faith to his family. John Sr. passed this legacy of faith and values on to his only son John Jr., who continued the legacy started by his father. His contributions to America are legendary and include growing the Rockefeller Foundation to global status, the building of the Riverside Church and the Rockefeller Center. Moreover, John Jr. passed his faith and values on to his five famous sons who also made substantial contributions in politics, philanthropy, social justice and service to their country. Today there are more than 200 members of the Rockefeller family that contribute to this ongoing legacy. 

Here is a video that tells the unvarnished story of John D.  Rockefeller Sr., a  story of faith, values and oil:

On this Sabbath day, InfoStream hopes the John D. Rockefeller story of faith, oil and passion will encourage you to live a life of service filled with Abundant Joy.

God bless!

About Executive Producer, Larry R. Evans:
Larry Evans is an experienced innovator and strategist. He is Principal of The Paradigm Corporation, which is headquartered at Thunder Ridge just outside Crossfield, Alberta, Canada. He is known for bringing a unique and predictive lens to paradigm shifts during a career that spans 45 years. Now often from his wheelchair, he brings a grounded, tenacious view of brand, ecosystems and trusted relationships for the digital age. His perspective and values influence his life, business and ministry.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/larryrevans