Take Care

Lk. 12:15

"And He said to them, Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions."

Jesus gave two warnings in this verse. First, Take care, exercise restraint, and be aware of what you are doing. Secondly, He said to be on guard, like a soldier in wartime fighting a battle against an insidious enemy. Why such concern over covetousness and possessions? Perhaps it is because having possessions and wanting possessions can be an all consuming venture that ties man to this earth and its cares. Immediately following this verse Jesus taught a parable about a man who had plentiful crops. Instead of giving to the poor or sharing his wealth, he became concerned with bigger and better barns. He became a selfish hoarder who wanted only to store all his grains and goods. With so much security, he felt he was able to relax and have a good time. Sadly, he was a fool. Nothing that he had done prepared him for the day his soul was required by God. Laying up earthly treasures does not make a person rich toward God. In fact, these riches are a huge stumbling block preventing a clear vision of God and of what true treasure is.

In contrast to the man in the parable, Jesus teaches His little flock to sell their possessions and give to the needy. How hard it is to sell all and give to the poor!  Having and wanting earthly possessions destroy the giving impulse! Instead of having earthly moneybags, believers needs moneybags that do not grow old filled with the currency of heaven, a currency of giving not hoarding. Believers should desire heavenly treasure, a treasure that is thief-proof and insect-proof, a treasure will not crash on any Black Friday or be affected by corrupt Wall Street bankers. Jesus finally states it simply.  For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. Perhaps this is the key. Can I freely and willingly give it away? If I can't, then its tentacles are deeply rooted in my heart. Do I want what other people have? Do I want to look like the world, or is my life consumed in the currency of heaven and heavenly treasure? My heart tells the true story. Even though I have less, do I still want more? Is Jesus more important than anything that this world offers/

Father,

Keep my heart pure and free of possessions and covetousness. Help me seek You and be willing to give away what You have given me.

In Jesus name,

Amen