Trusting in Riches

Because fallen man does not put his confidence in God, he finds it necessary to put his confidence in something. More often than not, this "something" is material wealth. Have you ever put your trust and hope in worldly possessions? Do you know people who have made a god of their money? You don't have to be rich to fall into this category. A poor person can just as easily make a god out of money as a wealthy person. The poor person might imagine that all their problems would be solved if only they could accumulate enough money. We too quickly equate satisfaction with prosperity.

The reason money so often becomes the strong tower and confidence of people is that it does actually rid life of many trials and tribulations. It keeps you warm with clothing, nourished with food, sheltered, protected from the tyranny and abuse of others. The list could go on and on. But herein lies the deception: While money can provide many things, it guarantees nothing. Your wealth can be taken away just as easily as it was given—Job is the classic example of this. Only God remains the same from age to age. Only He provides lasting protection, nourishment, and care. And most importantly, wealth cannot be taken beyond the grave. Upon death, every man will stand barren and empty before the throne of God. Only those who are clothed in the righteousness of Christ will be spared from eternal torment. Only those who put their trust in God will truly know what it means to be rich and to have their portion filled forever.

Those who put their trust in riches do not give a thought to the fleeting quality of this life. They do not peer into the chasm of eternity and consider what awaits them beyond the grave. They have been duped by their own idolatrous notions to trust in themselves and to pursue wealth and pleasure as the surety for life. "Little does he think, that in a moment they may crumble to the dust, and leave him in the fearful ruin of an unsheltered state," Bridges wrote. "'Trouble will find an entrance into his castle. Death will storm, and take it. And judgment will sweep both him and it into perdition.'" Hear the plea of the Gospel. Do not put your trust in this world, but trust in Christ who alone gives life everlasting.