The old saying goes, “There are only 2 things that are certain, death and taxes!” The psalmist helps to bring that perspective forward as He looks at life circumstance. He reminds us that though we may face difficult times, ultimately God is in control. When men think that their wealth and position may buy some extra time, life, or favor, one need only look at the graveyards and mausoleums spread across the land. Rich or poor, no man can carry their wealth beyond the grave.
The reality is that life is never about it is never about what we collect, instead life is and will always be a focus upon what we leave. If our sum and total of what we leave behind is land and money, then it will be passed to others that will use as they see fit. If however the legacy of ones life is bringing folks to the Lord and building character into your family, that legacy will remain for generations.
The genealogies in the bible, speak volumes about the ones that came before. The lines between Adam and Noah, the lineage of David and Jesus all show a string of folks that were not perfect but considered their legacy of character to be the primary end.
In our lives, we can do nothing that lasts any more than to share Christ with all that will listen and build godly character into those we love. If people see great character in those we leave behind, we will have done an amazing thing. Solomon reminds us in Proverbs 22:6 that if we will raise a child in the way they should go when they are old, they will not depart far from it.
Wealth and position are great gifts, but loving God and pouring into others will leave a legacy that spans far beyond the brief life we enjoy.
God Bless You
5 Why should I fear when evil days come,
when wicked deceivers surround me—
6 those who trust in their wealth
and boast of their great riches?
7 No one can redeem the life of another
or give to God a ransom for them—
8 the ransom for a life is costly,
no payment is ever enough—
9 so that they should live on forever
and not see decay.
10 For all can see that the wise die,
that the foolish and the senseless also perish,
leaving their wealth to others.
11 Their tombs will remain their houses[b] forever,
their dwellings for endless generations,
though they had[c] named lands after themselves.
12 People, despite their wealth, do not endure;
they are like the beasts that perish.
13 This is the fate of those who trust in themselves,
and of their followers, who approve their sayings.[d]
14 They are like sheep and are destined to die;
death will be their shepherd
(but the upright will prevail over them in the morning).
Their forms will decay in the grave,
far from their princely mansions.
15 But God will redeem me from the realm of the dead;
he will surely take me to himself.
16 Do not be overawed when others grow rich,
when the splendor of their houses increases;
17 for they will take nothing with them when they die,
their splendor will not descend with them.
18 Though while they live they count themselves blessed—
and people praise you when you prosper—
19 they will join those who have gone before them,
who will never again see the light of life.
20 People who have wealth but lack understanding
are like the beasts that perish.
Walking With God 