The Rich Die Too

Pslams 49:16-19

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 lived 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].

It is so easy to be jealous of those with great wealth.  They enjoy many temporal benefits here on Earth.  Life (at least on the surface) seems a little easier for them.

However, God spends quite a bit of time warning us about wealth.

For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. (1 Timothy 6:10)

Note: That verse is often misquoted.  It does not say that “money is the root of all evil” because money can be used for many good things.  It is, however, easy to fall in love with which leads to many sins.

“It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” (Mark 10:25)

I think the lesson Jesus is teaching here is that the rich are not typically very humble.  You need humility to accept God’s gift of salvation because only God can save you through grace.  You can’t earn your way to Heaven, no matter how successful you are at everything else you do.

I would give the following advice.  If you are financially secure, that’s great: just don’t let it define you and keep your eyes on the things that are eternal rather than the temporary gifts you’ve been given.  If you are like the rest of us, making ends meet and earning an honest living, don’t envy the rich too much.  The man that dies with the most toys still dies.

Or to expand on a quote from Braveheart, “every man dies, but not every man really lives” …for God.  You see, if you live for God, you live forever with him.  And that makes you very rich indeed.