Sure, we all know what we can do with money.  We may dream about it, how to improve houses, that dream car, that dream vacation, and a thousand gadgets and “toys.”  Yet, times like these remind us how easily the dream can become a mirage.  Money is a favorite subject of God’s.  He covers the matter from cover to cover in His Word.  Of the many places in the Bible we might look, consider Psalm 49.  There, David says at least three significant things about the limitations of wealth and possessions.

Money cannot redeem a soul (6-9).  In fact, Jesus says as much by indicating that a single soul is more valuable than all the wealth of the entire world (cf. Matt. 16:26).  Silver and gold are not acceptable substitutes for the blood of Jesus (1 Pet. 1:18-19).  Whatever it might buy, it cannot purchase salvation.

Money cannot buy immortality (10-12).  However renowned and powerful one is on earth, he or she will leave a will and bequeath their fortunes–be they meager or massive.  They might think their houses will last forever (11), but they cannot add an infinite amount of longevity despite their net worth.

Money cannot cross the border (16-19).  It might be carried from one country to another, but it cannot be taken from time to eternity.  The old adage is poignant:  “You don’t see U-Hauls behind a hearse.”  You cannot take it with you.  God does not need it in heaven.  Satan cannot use it in hell.  We won’t be able to make use of it wherever we spend eternity.

Stock market crashes are disturbing.  Credit restrictions and decreased borrowing power may unsettle.  Putting our trust in money is vain and reveals a faith that is unhealthy and inadequate.  The God who owns us all and made this very world holds us in the hollow of His hand.  Let us trust that.  What is it that He cannot do?

Neal Pollard