Surely everyone goes around like a mere phantom; in vain they rush about, heaping up wealth without knowing whose it will finally be. Psalm 39:6
Rushing about and heaping up wealth—two things today’s society also does. Rather surprisingly David wrote this about 3000 years ago, over the years people’s attitude doesn’t change.
Success seems to be equated with “rushing about.” Success in the world’s eyes is seen as the highest amount of activity in the least amount of time. The world celebrates high achievers, even if their relationship with family and friends has been sacrificed so they can reach their goals. It’s assumed if people are busy and overworked they must be making a valuable contribution. Rarely does anyone question the value of their activity.
Likewise, we hold in high esteem those who have “heaped up wealth.” They save up resources supposedly for unexpected expenses but it becomes their security. Often it’s left to relatives who either don’t appreciate it or waste it on unnecessary luxuries.
As people of faith, we can make better decisions with our time and money. It’s easy to be busy but are we making a difference in other people’s lives, are we extending God’s kingdom on earth? It’s not God’s intention for us to be constantly working, earning, achieving. Resting can be a holy activity. God wants us to take the time to enjoy the good things he has given us.
Similarly, with our money, are we saving excessively? The writer of Proverbs prays, “give me neither poverty nor riches … Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you … Or I may become poor and steal…” (Proverbs 30:8-9).
Let’s not be like those without faith who are often busy without purpose and accumulate wealth for no reason.
