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
“Consider, that the more favorable Providence has been to you, it should make you the more earnest and solicitous to relieve those whom you may find in distress: it is of the utmost consequence, what is well pleasing to your fellow-creatures, and doing your duty to God. When you are called from hence, then all riches and grandeur will be over; the grave will make no distinction; great estates will be of no signification in the other world; and if you have made a bad use of the talent which God hath put into your hands, it will be only an aggravation of your condemnation at the great day of account, when God shall come to demand your souls, and to call you to an account, for the use to which you have put the abundance of the things of this life.”
George Whitefield (1714-1770) “The Great Duty of Charity Recommended” in Selected Sermons of George Whitefield, 402. If you have ten minutes. Click and read this sermon (397-403).
Why did the church need a Great Awakening in the days of Whitefield? Sadly, it had settled comfortably into the world. The Industrial Revolution changed how people related to wealth. Christians adopted the worldly view of accumulation rather than obeying God’s commands regarding the distribution of material provision. It’s as if they thought they knew better.
We need another great awakening today. Pray with me for one!
In reading Psalm 49, we realize how attractive the worldly narrative appears. We become overawed by it. We dream about it. And we are tempted to give out lives to attain it. I find that younger followers of Christ seem more receptive to biblical teaching on generosity because older folks have followed the world’s way of thinking so long they are too vested to recalculate their route. It’s sad.
Has Providence been favorable to you? Don’t let your story end with “aggravation of your condemnation at the great day of account”, but rather, regardless of your age, choose obedience and in so doing, prepare to give an account. Everyone enters eternity empty-handed. The use of abundance shows what we believed while we were alive. Don’t think for a minute that the worldly narrative will lead you to hear “well done.”
See why we need another great awakening? Father in heaven, cause our collective obedience to bring global revival. Lead me safely to Washington, D.C., and Frankfurt, Germany, today en route to Chennai, India. Thank you for opening doors for ministry and service in a context where obedience despite growing opposition comes into view as the most powerful witness to the gospel of Jesus Christ. Amen.