Do I Know You?

Read Psalm 49

No matter how much wealth, success, and fame one acquires in this life, physical death comes for us all. We can't buy our way out of it. Years ago I was fascinated by the accomplishments of Steve Jobs. He was the co-founder of Apple and turned it into a $350 billion dollar company. In 1986 he purchased Pixar from Lucasfilm and was the CEO and primary shareholder for 20 years until it was sold to Disney for $7.4 billion dollars. Jobs then became the largest individual shareholder in Disney stock!

Steve Jobs had more money and fame than any of us could ever dream of, and I'm sure many people would've traded places with him in a second to live the lifestyle of the rich and famous! But pump the brakes, my friend.

Everything in the world was available to him...except health. In 2003, at around 49 years old, he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Several years of treatments, surgeries, and even a major liver transplant followed. Jobs fought valiantly and did everything possible to defeat cancer, but all the money in the world could not save him from dying in 2011. Jesus said these well-known words in Matthew 16:26:

Matthew 16:26

26 For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?

Death is the great equalizer, and the Bible makes it clear that God does not look at bank accounts, possessions, or portfolios when we stand before His judgement seat. He simply asks the question, "Do I know you?" (Matt 7:22-23)

The answer to that question resides in your heart. The vault of your true treasure. 1 Samuel 16:7 reminds us that the Lord does not look at the exterior of a person, but at what is taking place inside the heart of a person.

I feel it's important to point out that having lots of money is not bad. Having success is not bad. Even being famous is not bad. In fact, all of those things can be wonderful! And if acquired, they should be used for the glory of God!

Matthew 6:21 (ESV)

21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Does your heart beat for the Lord?

Does your primary passion and purpose revolve around Jesus?

Do you believe in Him with your whole being?

If the answer is yes, it puts a smile on the Lord's face...He knows your heart, and He knows you! So do what Psalm 49 says and don't be afraid of those who appear to be gaining the whole world at your expense. We all come into this world with nothing, and when we leave this world the only ones who will leave with anything are those who have Jesus. Put Him in the bank. Amen!

Josh Huisman is the senior pastor of Crosswalk Church in Brentwood, TN.

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