“Then he said, “Beware! Guard against every kind of greed. Life is not measured by how much you own.”
“Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God.”
Luke 12:15, 21 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/luk.12.15.NLT
There is a tension in all of us that Christ is very aware of: We get greedy.
Reflection
In Luke 12, Christ compares our quest for more things to having a rich relationship with him.
His words are simple and clear. It is foolish to prioritize our own wealth and consumer accumulation over a rich relationship with Him.
Think about it with me. God is not against abundance. He is the source of abundance.
He is against greed. Greed operates under the illusion of creating a self-sufficient life of luxury and idleness in the name of personal security and comfort, as if that were all that matters in life.
Jesus’ words could not be any clearer for us today: “Life is not measured by how much you own.”
Listen to the guidance of Christ given to his disciples on trusting in God and his abundance:
“That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food to eat or enough clothes to wear. For life is more than food, and your body more than clothing.
Look at the ravens. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for God feeds them.
And you are far more valuable to him than any birds!
Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? And if worry can’t accomplish a little thing like that, what’s the use of worrying over bigger things?
“Look at the lilies and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are.
And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you.
Why do you have so little faith?
“And don’t be concerned about what to eat and what to drink. Don’t worry about such things. These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers all over the world, but your Father already knows your needs.
Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need.
“So don’t be afraid, little flock. For it gives your Father great happiness to give you the Kingdom.
“Sell your possessions and give to those in need. This will store up treasure for you in heaven! And the purses of heaven never get old or develop holes. Your treasure will be safe; no thief can steal it and no moth can destroy it.
Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.”
Luke 12:22-34 NLT
Encouragement
This whole conversation with Jesus began over an issue of greed in demanding one’s perceived rightful share of inheritance: “Then someone called from the crowd, “Teacher, please tell my brother to divide our father’s estate with me.” Luke 12:13 NLT. Unfortunately, greed is often present in family estate matters.
Jesus shifts the conversation from greed to the unlimited abundance of God and his happiness in sharing all of it with us.
He wants us to trust him. He invites us to enjoy his provision for us. He is asking us to seek him first.
He promises that we will have what we need along the way as we follow him. He will make sure of it.
More Encouragement
Christ also invites us to share generously with others out of what God has provided for us. Sell some of your possessions and give the proceeds to the benefit of others who need help. Give generously to others just as God has so abundantly provided for you.
Reflect God’s abundance. Reflect God’s generosity.
Work hard, be diligent, and steward the resources God provides to help others.
The Punchline
“Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.”
Are we going to treasure everything greed desires, or are we going to treasure God and live generously toward others in the abundance of His Kingdom?
I am choosing the latter. My heart is with God and His Kingdom.
Prayer
Dear Jesus,
Please guard us against all forms of greed. Thank you.
Please help us to trust your provision, steward it well, and share it generously with others, thus reflecting your provision and generosity with us.
Thank you for teaching us the deeper ways of life.
In your name, Jesus, we pray,
Amen
Ed McDowell