Do Not Be Overawed
Daily Reading: Genesis 49, Psalm 49, Acts 5, Proverbs 18
Do not be overawed when others grow rich,
when the splendor of their houses increases;
for they will take nothing with them when they die,
their splendor will not descend with them.
Though while they live they count themselves blessed—
and people praise you when you prosper—
they will join those who have gone before them,
who will never again see the light of life.
People who have wealth but lack understanding
are like the beasts that perish.
Psalm 49:16-20
We live in a society that runs completely counter to this passage from scripture.
Our world is one that lives in constant awe and admiration of the wealthy.
It is an influencer culture, where there is no shortage of people trying to build their own personal brands, flaunt their riches, and position themselves as the gurus who can help you do exactly the same thing if you just follow their lead.
Over and over again in scripture we see God’s desire for our lives couldn’t be farther from this.
God is not opposed to us being successful, but are we doing it for his glory? Is any financial success we see a result of us walking in alignment with his will for our lives, and the result is that he has chosen to bless us financially so that we can give back to others?
Or have we accumulated wealth because that is our focus? Are we doing well financially because we wake up each morning and do whatever it takes to achieve worldly success, even at the expense of pursuing God’s will? Even if it means not always living out God’s greatest two commandments of loving God and loving others?
If wealth is what we chase after and if maximizing our net worth is pursued above all else, we may end up hitting our goals here on earth.
We may be praised when we prosper.
However, we read today:
Though while they live they count themselves blessed, and people praise you when you prosper, they will join those who have gone before them, who will never again see the light of life.
Financial success is temporary.
Eternity lasts forever.
So, this week, let’s “not be overawed when others grow rich, when the splendor of their houses increase” because we ultimately know the end of that story.
Let’s appreciate the people in our life that seem to truly be walking with God, pursuing his will, treating others with dignity and respect, and bringing others into full life with Christ.
Jesus told us back in Matthew 6: “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.”
Let’s choose wisely.
Daily Reflection & Dialogue
When in your life have you been tempted to “be overawed when others grow rich”?
