If a famous person endorses a product, we are more likely to buy it. If a movie star talks about recycling, we are more likely to start sorting our trash. This is even true with people like Paris Hilton and the Kardashians—celebrities who are famous for what? For nothing. They are famous for being famous, not for their achievements.
Our values are mixed up. Why do we listen to rich people? Unlike reality TV stars, most of the rich have actually achieved something, some level of business success. But does that qualify them to speak on global warming, or trickle-down economics, or the future of space travel? Should we choose our politicians based on how wealthy they are?
No.
“Do not be overly impressed when someone becomes rich, their house swelling to fantastic proportions, because when they die, they won’t take any of it with them. Their fantastic possessions will not accompany them down under” Psalm 49:16-17.
I like the Message paraphrase of this passage:
“Don’t be impressed with those who get rich and pile up fame and fortune. They can’t take it with them; fame and fortune will all get left behind. Just when they think they’ve arrived and folks praise them because they’ve made good, they enter the family burial plot where they’ll never see sunshine again.”
“The rich man, in the midst of his pursuits, will fade away” James 1:11.
Life is so much more than money, so much more interesting: master the word, become an expert on scripture. Develop wisdom and good judgment. Love people—RELATIONSHIPS ARE EVERYTHING. Be a servant and store up treasure in heaven rather than on earth. As Randy Alcorn writes about money:
“You can’t take it with you—but you CAN send it on ahead!”
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