Written by Jonathan Melton
Psalm 49:16-17 (NRSV) Do not be envious when some become rich, or when the grandeur of their house increases; for they will carry nothing away at their death, nor will their grandeur follow them.
The grace in the psalmist’s exhortation to refrain from envy or fear when “some become rich” is found in naming an uncomfortable truth—we worry about the wealth of others. Indeed, the corrupting influences of wealth and power appear to validate our fears. Still, it is hard to know whether we fear the wealthy or simply wish we were walking around in their fancy, custom-fit shoes! The psalmist confronts us with the sin of ambition. After all, it is not just the ones we call rich who “carry nothing away.” The same is true of all of us.
Every day I find myself motivated by things I cannot carry away. Rather than despise those moments, I have come to thank God for the opportunity to refocus my heart. It is true grace to be called back to the goodness of God. Saint Augustine liked to say that even our awareness that we have wandered off the path is a gift we could not have possessed without God. May we find and thank God for such awareness today.
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