Trusting in Money

I once heard a story about a rich man who died. When someone enquired about how much he had left in his will, the answer was given, “He left everything.”

The reality is that, when we reach the end of our earthly life, whether we leave virtually nothing or a huge fortune, we leave behind whatever earthly wealth we have accrued. We can take nothing with us. As the psalmist says, we leave our wealth to others (Psalm 49:10).

He goes on to remind us that, however rich we may or may not be, the lifespan of the human being is limited and, just like all the beasts (animals) that God has made, we all ultimately perish (Psalm 49:12). The psalmist goes on, ‘This is the fate of those who trust in themselves, and of their followers who approve their sayings. Like sheep they are destined for the grave, and death will feed on them. The upright will rule over them in the morning; their forms will decay in the grave, far from their princely mansions’ (Psalm 49:13-15).

That could well feel a bit bleak, couldn’t it? However, then comes a striking line that suggests the writer expects a different outcome for some at least, ‘But God will redeem my life from the grave; he will surely take me to himself’ (Psalm 49:15). Sometimes we think that it’s only with the New Testament that we begin to hear about eternity and the hope of a life which goes on forever. But here is a definite place in the Old Testament where the idea of resurrection and life beyond this life can be seen.

Often when people reach their ‘middle’ or ‘older’ years these questions about eternity become more pressing. “Is this all there is?” “Is this all that life has been about?” It can be tempting to measure worth in terms of economic status or financial value. Someone, especially if they’re grappling with issues of significance, or where the meaning of their life lies, might ask for proof that any person could possibly rise from the dead, showing that there’s more to life than what we see here and now. To this, thankfully, we have an answer. It's Jesus.

Historically, as well as biblically, we know that Jesus died and was buried. But we also know that, on the third day, He rose from the dead and, soon after, ascended into heaven, becoming Himself the literal fulfilment of verse 15 of this Psalm. That, in and of itself, is magnificent. However, Jesus also promised His followers that if they put their trust in Him, they too would experience the same destiny as Him (John 3:16). If we are His followers, this is a promise that’s true for us too.

Psalm 49 finishes with the writer going on to point out the foolishness of spending our lives seeking to get rich. It’s quite bold and sounds very similar to something Jesus said. ‘Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where you treasure is, there you heart will be also’ (Matthew 6:19-21).

Jesus knew this was a real challenge. Down the centuries, it always has been, whatever people’s culture and circumstances. But perhaps it is especially so today in our materialistic world. I wonder, though, which account offers the best returns: our earthly account, or our eternal one? I know which one holds the best long-term rewards.