Covetousness

Lk. 12:21

So is the one who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God. 

Beginning in v. 13, Jesus developed some very important principles. Initially, He said, Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions. A pretty strong warning, especially to those of us who live in such a materialistic society! We all have so much more than so many countries around the world even when we have less than so many others. I wonder what kind of inroads into our souls has our affluence made. 

Jesus illustrated this principle with a parable about a rich man whose land produced plentifully. The man questioned what he should do with his great abundance. Instead of possibly giving to others less fortunate, he tore down his barns and built bigger and better barns. He was so pleased with himself and his vast accumulation of wealth that he thought he could eat, drink, and be merry. He rejoiced in his physical possessions without a passing thought for his spiritual needs. But God required his soul that very night. Where were his possessions now? It is ironic than all men [and women] meet death on the same economic level. 

Jesus ended his teaching with,  So is the one who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God. If we are not seeking the things that are above and setting our minds on Jesus, then our end will not be good. God is warning us to beware of possessions. Why? Possessions can claim a big part of our heart and our desires. They can provide us with areas that produce pleasure apart from God. Even the possessions that are  time savers, can occupy a great portion of our time just maintaining them. All these possessions that save us so much time really open up new vistas of things we can now do with a whole new set of material items. What an endless circle! What a warning! How tightly do I hold onto my possessions? Do I use them to help others? How much of my time do they take? Do they tear my allegiance away from living for Jesus?

Father,

Reveal to me my true heart condition with my possessions. Open my eyes to see covetousness. Lord, I love You and want to serve You above all else.

In Jesus name,

Amen