“And he told them this parable: “The ground of a certain rich man yielded an abundant harvest. 17 He thought to himself, ‘What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.’ 18 “Then he said, ‘This is what I’ll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store my surplus grain. 19 And I’ll say to myself, “You have plenty of grain laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry.”’ 20 “But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?’ 21 “This is how it will be with whoever stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God.” Luke 12.16-21
What does it mean to be rich toward God? I just returned from the French Riviera, and talk about wealth! Oh my gosh—it was incredible. But for some reason, I don’t think that’s what it means to be rich toward God.
I did notice that in the handful of medieval villages we visited, churches stood right in the middle of town. Many were elaborate, with incredible artwork and stained glass, occupying prime real estate. I believe this is honoring to the Lord and reflects a richness toward God.
But being rich toward God isn’t just about material possessions. It can mean being rich in relationships, rich in giving time to serve others, and rich in ways the world often devalues. I’m sitting here in the airport, and 99% of the people around me are zoned out on their phones. They’re not investing in anyone but themselves. (I’m not doing much better—I’m just typing on my iPad!)
Jesus teaches us to invest in the things of heaven rather than the things of earth. If we only work for ourselves and fail to contribute to the Kingdom of God, we will miss out on both our eternal reward and present happiness.
He tells the parable of the rich fool who stores up extra grain and then sits back, saying, “Take life easy; eat, drink, and be merry.” But that very night God says to him, “You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?”
Isn’t it far better to invest in God’s Kingdom than in what only people can buy?
We have been incredibly blessed—personally and by living in the USA. But let’s not forget to invest in the things of God: meeting the needs of others. How great will our reward be in heaven! Then we will find abundant life both today and for eternity.
“O Lord, thank you for strength and stamina! Thank you for allowing me to walk in your ways. Help me find peace in you and in how you have blessed me. Help me bless others so I might be faithful in all that I do. Fill me with your Holy Spirit and cover me with your love. For you are good and your love endures forever.” Amen.