People who have wealth but lack understanding are like the beasts that perish. Psalm 49:20
“The rich are like beasts of burden, carrying treasure all day, and at the night of death unladen; they carry to their grave only the bruises and marks of their toil.”
Augustine of Hippo (354-430) in Dictionary of Burning Words of Brilliant Writers, compiled by Josiah Hotchkiss Gilbert (New York: Wilbur B. Ketcham, 1895) 523.
Today and tomorrow I am facilitating meetings with leaders of 14 leading evangelical seminaries in Cincinnati. One item we will discuss is how to engage in the deeply spiritual work of raising up givers.
Essentially we will explore how to teach people that the purpose of wealth is to have something to return to God, to care for our families, and to have something to share richly with those in need.
If you have never studied Psalm 49, read it today. It dismantles the false narratives linked to wealth that bombard all humankind: riches can’t save us, give us security in time of trouble, or provide the satisfaction we seek. Only God can.
Father in heaven, by your Holy Spirit, help us model these truths and not succumb to false narratives, so that we show others how to handle wealth, and bless us with fruitful meetings in Cincinnati, I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.