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Can't Take It With You
Friday, January 16, 2026 by Rick Stockwell
Can’t Take it With You
READ Psalm 49
Do not be overawed when others grow rich, when the splendor of their houses increases; for they will take nothing with them when they die, their splendor will not descend with them.
-- Psalm 49:16-17 (NIV)
Social media is full of stories about the uber-rich spending huge amounts of money on themselves in the form of massive homes, luxurious yachts, extravagant vacations, and lavish parties. Andrew Carnegie (1835-1919) had a very different view. Born to humble beginnings in Scotland, Carnegie became one of the wealthiest American industrialists of his day ($310 billion). He’s best known for his gifts of free public library buildings. Carnegie gave much of his fortune away during his lifetime. In his book, The Gospel of Wealth, he stated the well-off should act as trustees of their wealth: Living without extravagance, providing moderately for their families, and using their resources to help the less fortunate. Carnegie was evidently aware he could take nothing with him when he died.
Most of us don’t think of ourselves as “rich,” but consider this statistic: A person with an annual income of $25,000 - $30,000 per year falls within the top 15% of global income earners. The Old Testament mentions that God's servants may be blessed with wealth (Genesis 12:2; Leviticus 26:3–12; Deuteronomy 7:11–15; 30:8–9; 1 Kings 3:11–14). However, the Lord Jesus encourages us to store up for ourselves treasures in heaven, not earth (Matthew 6:19-21). 1 Timothy 6:8–10 sums up how we should view wealth: “But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.”
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Be generous.
Prayer: Father in heaven, please help us to be content with what we have and not envy others.
Prayer Focus: PHILANTHROPISTS
Rick Stockwell
Rick Stockwell retired from a career in information technology, teaches Sunday school for first graders, served as an elder at his church, has been married for thirty-five years, and has two children and six grandchildren.
Rick is the author of two novels in his Heavenly Realms series called The Wall and The Battle. Audio, eBook and paperback versions are accessible via this link: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B07HQ8G3MJ
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