More than Money

Many people build their lives on the accumulation of wealth. The desire to gather physical possessions can become an obsession and the sole purpose of someone’s life. It is not that riches are bad, either – getting more money is not antithetical to living a righteous life. But it can be a dangerous mindset.

The book of Psalms speaks again and again of riches, reminding us that we will not take what we have with us. More importantly, however, is the focus on letting wisdom, not money, guide us.

“Do not be overawed when a man grows rich, when the splendor of his house increases; for he will take nothing with him when he dies, his splendor will not descend with him. Though while he lives he counted himself blessed – and men praise you when you prosper – he will join the generation of his fathers, who will never see the light of life. A man who has riches without understanding is like the beasts that perish.” (Ps. 49:16-20)

So again, it is not that the rich man is wrong – that is an unhelpful thought. Rather, it is the dependence and trust in riches that fails. We do not take money with us and it can be taken from us in a moment, so we must lean ever closer to the eternal character of God. And we can look again to the Psalms, where David gives us an answer just a few chapters later:

“Here now is the man who did not make God his stronghold but trusted in his great wealth and grew strong by destroying others! But I am like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God; I trust in God’s unfailing love forever and ever.” (Ps. 52:7-8)

All of us are encouraged, like David, to make God our ever-present stronghold. He is the one that supports, sustains, and strengthens us. Even though the solution might seem simple to trust in God’s love, it is what will carry us through, not money. So go, make money, but live a life that is more than money and one of God.