October 26
Luke 12 -- 13
The Lord illustrated the deceptive danger of covetousness by saying: The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully: And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room to store my fruits? And he said, This I will do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there I will store all . . . my goods. And I will say to my soul . . . you have much goods laid up for many years; take your ease, eat, drink, and be merry. But God said to him, You fool, this night your soul shall be required of you: then whose shall those things be? (Luke 12:16-19). By hard work and good management in the wholesome and highly-respected occupation of farming, this man had become wealthy. There is no hint that he had gained his wealth by dishonest methods. His soul-destroying sin was that he spent his lifetime for self-gratification. God called him a fool, and then added: So is he that lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God (12:20-21).
A person's true worth is not determined by material possessions, but in laying up . . . treasures in Heaven (Matthew 6:20). Those who are worldly-minded would disagree since they measure success by the accumulation of wealth, popularity, and influence.
In contrast, the Christian's concern is to not allow material desires to distract them from doing the will of God. Jesus said: Take no thought for your life (do not worry about future concerns), what you shall (have to) eat; neither for the body, what you shall (have to) put on. The life is more than meat, and the body is more than raiment. . . . But rather seek the Kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added to you (Luke 12:22-23,31). As important as food, clothing, and shelter are to maintaining life, our first and foremost concern should be to seek the Kingdom of God with all our hearts, then trust the Lord for our necessities.
How we use our time and talents is an expression of our Christian faith. Christ taught that life is fulfilling only when we seek to extend and build His Kingdom by loving, serving, and giving to others rather than in self-serving ways. Regardless of how much or how little talent, ability, or possessions we may have or acquire, as good stewards we should prayerfully consider what would Jesus have us do. It is of utmost importance that we prepare ourselves to be all that our Lord wants us to be in order to accomplish the purposes for which He created us.
They that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows (I Timothy 6:9-10).
Cross References:
For Luke 13:27: See Psa. 6:8. Luke 13:35: See Psa. 118:26.
Government Officials: Rep. David Phelps (IL) and Rep. Charles Stenholm (TX) · BPM Staff: Ken Sharp · Pray for Barbara Waddell, Chair Emeritus, Ohio National Day of Prayer · Pray for the Bible Pathway International Radio broadcast sponsored by the Thursday Morning Prayer Group · Country: Greece (10 million) in southeastern Europe · Major languages: Greek and English · Government restrictions on witnessing to others about Christ · 97% Greek Orthodox (2% churchgoers); 1% Muslim; .4% Roman Catholic; .1% Protestant · Prayer Suggestion: Wives, pray for a quiet, loving spirit to win your husband to Christ (I Peter 3:1-2).
Memory Verse for the Week:
Hebrews 3:14