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. Psalm 49:16-17
“A rich man drove me out to his fine estate in the country. After we had gone over its splendid acres, he turned to me and said, ‘Does that place belong to me?’ I said, ‘Ask me that a hundred years from now and I will tell you whether it does or not.’ The fact of divine ownership never changes — only the circumstances differ. One hundred years from tonight none of us will own any bank stock; the angel of death will pry open our hands; we shall return unto God His own. God is the great Evictor. When we stand and sing, “We give Thee but Thine own,” we are stating a solemn truth. God never signs any quit-claim deeds; He only says, “Another steward to test.”
Edwin H. Hughes as quoted in “Study Three” of The New Christian: Studies in Stewardship by Ralph S. Cushman (New York: Centenary Conservation Committee, Methodist Episcopal Church, 1919) 48-49.
I can think of no greater witness in a world captivated by the myth of human ownership than humble obedient stewardship. In this lesson, Hughes reports that in addition to sharing this “one hundred years” illustration he also recounts the parable of the rich fool in Luke 12:13-21. In that text, we hear Jesus pointedly say: “Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?” to the person who stores up treasures for himself because he does not understand divine ownership.
Psalm 49 contains the understanding that must accompany anyone with riches. They can’t save us, satisfy us, or give us the security we seek; only God can. This is why we must be rich toward God. Likewise Jesus in the parable of the rich fool reveals that He is watching each of us. Will you pass the test? I am asking not because of what I want from you, but what I want for you. Don’t just say with your lips that you understand divine ownership; show it with your life.