By Lyndon St. Cyr

As I sit writing this excerpt, Psalm 49 comes to mind, especially the verses that read:

Do not be overawed when a man grows rich, when the splendor Of his house increases. For he will take nothing with him when He dies. His splendor will not descend with him.

We will admit that we all have been charmed by “Tinsel town” and the accouterments of success seem so appealing that its pretty easy to fall for the fancy foreign cars or the luxury houses as shown on TV.

Even in the church nowadays the focus seems to be on lavish sanctuaries, plush carpeting, upholstered seating and state of the art electronic systems. There appears to be the fusing together of materialism and personal pride, a combination which, to my mind, puts us in grave danger of neglecting, even forgetting God.

On the other hand, thoughts of death and the prospect of eternity can abruptly change one’s focus or priorities. We are reminded in Psalm 49 that no matter how attractive, popular or imposing the wealthy may appear, “they can’t take it with them.” In this life the wealthy often inspire awe and admiration but these adulations will be short-lived. Their possessions will not survive past the grave.

Psalm 49:20 describes the final state of the man who leaves God out of his life. Without understanding he is like the beasts that perish. A person’s power, influence and wealth won’t carry any weight in eternity.

May our prayer today be “ Lord, may I learn to live always, not for this life only, but with eternity’s values in view.