Where Is Your Abundance?

 

 

 

    

Luke 12:14-15

 

14 Jesus replied, "Man, who appointed me a judge or an arbiter between you?"  15 Then he said to them, "Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions."

NIV

Greed and gratitude.  These two are diametrically opposed to each other.  The world system constantly yells confirmation that greed is not only OK, but is our entitlement.  The Bible teaches for us to be grateful and satisfied with what we have.  How do we get the right attitude in an upside down world?

"A man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions."  Go ahead.  Chew on that for a minute!  The one who dies with the most toys does not win.  Not in God's  economy.  Having the latest technology, having the best collections, turning your home into a showplace...all of this is meaningless.  Yet, how many people spend their lives trying to do so?  To impress who?  Themselves?  Others?  God?  Certainly, God is not impressed.

On the altar of greed, many people sacrifice the tithe.  On the altar of greed, many people sacrifice their children.  Rather than spend time with their family, teaching the ways of God, many parents choose instead to get a nicer boat, a  bigger truck or upkeep a vacation home.  People spend decades working in jobs that they hate to get money to spend on things that will not satisfy and cannot last.  Things that will be hopelessly outdated in 2 years.

Things cannot satisfy. Possessions do not bring lasting joy.   I have never once stood by the graveside of a departed loved one and heard their spouse or family say, "He was a wonderful collector.  He spent all of his money on fishing."  The things that leave a legacy, are the things that matter to people.  Things that make people matter.

We all struggle with finding the right balance between enjoying the blessings of God and worshiping the blessings of God.  To get it right takes prayer and humility.  We have to remember that our lives are not defined by our STUFF!  Our lives are defined by the intangibles.  The way we treat people, the love we show, the kindness we demonstrate.    Our relationship  with God.  These things matter.

Let's strive to put our time and attention in the things that truly make a difference.

 

Dear Lord, You know the areas that I struggle.  Help me to see the world through Your eyes, in Your perspective.  Help me to see beyond the temporal, into the eternal.  In Jesus' Name.  Amen.