Read Psalm 62:9-12. 9Those of low estate are but a breath; those of high estate are a delusion; in the balances they go up; they are together lighter than a breath. 10Put no trust in extortion; set no vain hopes on robbery; if riches increase, set not your heart on them. 11Once God has spoken; twice have I heard this: that power belongs to God, 12and that to you, O Lord, belongs steadfast love. For you will render to a man according to his work.
Verse 9 sounds like it escaped from Ecclesiastes and found its way to the psalms. Both the low man and the high man (the poor and the rich) are nothing, a breath, lighter than breath. Put them on the scale next to each other and they both just blow away. So why on earth would we trust the rich or famous just because they are rich and famous? Why on earth would we set our hearts on riches?
Fortunately, none of us have this problem, do we (he said sarcastically)?
The truth is that greed is everyone’s problem. It is the universal sin. Whether you are of low estate or high estate, both hope in money. Both set their hearts on an increase in riches. And often both disdain the other, failing to see that in light of eternity, we are all mere vapor.
How can we overcome our idolatry of money? There are two truths to recall. First, all power belongs to God, and second, all steadfast love comes from God. Whatever our station in life, God is just and fair – For you will render to a man according to his work. Fortunately for us, that man is Jesus, and his work is the work of the cross. Now we can trust the sovereign judgment day of God where his power and love will combine as Christ in us the hope of glory.
To live is Christ is the thing that can keep our hearts from the idolatry of wealth only as it is replaced by trust in the power, love, and equity of God in Christ.
Prayer. Jesus, render to me according to YOUR work, not my own, for that is my only hope. Amen.
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To Live is Christ 