Luke 12:21 - Fix For The Greedy Heart!
Luke 12:21 - Fix For The Greedy Heart!
Luke 12:21 (NLT) "Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly
wealth but not have a rich relationship with God."
Luke 12: 21 (AMP) So it is with the one who continues to lay up
and hoard possessions for himself and is not rich [in his relation]
to God [this is how he fares].
Luke 12:21 (TLB) "Yes, every man is a fool who gets rich on
earth but not in heaven."
This is the concluding verse of the parable of the rich person
who left God out of their life (Luke 12:13-21).
The Greedy Heart (13-21). Imagine being so greedy that you would
interrupt a sermon to ask for help to get more money! The weeds were
certainly growing in that man's heart (Matt. 13:22). We all need a certain
amount of money to live, but money is not a guarantee of security. If
anything, it creates a false confidence that leads to foolishness.
[Chapter by Chapter Bible Commentary by Warren Wiersbe]
True satisfaction in life flows out of fulfilling the purpose
for which we were created, to enjoy an intimate relationship with
God. As a substitute for God, acquiring material excess only makes
the heart feel more hollow (see Eccl. 6:2). [Life Principles SB By
Charles Stanley re Luke 12:15]
Jesus spoke at length about covetousness in the Sermon on the
Mount (Mat.6:19-24). He also gave the parable in Luk.12:16-21 to warn
against it. It is included in His catalogue of the sins of the human
heart, along with such open sins as murder, adultery, fornication, and
theft (Mar.7:32). Covetousness is mentioned as one of the leading sins
of the last days before the judgment (2Ti.3:2). These verses here
in Luke define covetousness as laying up treasure for oneself -
greed. The remedy? To be rich toward God. If we seek above all the
kingdom of God, then He will provide all that we need. [Daily
Devotional Bible; Apr. 14, 89]
Every day you face decisions that express what you really
believe about God - you're constantly making choices that demonstrate
what you truly depend upon for your security. Of course, for most
people, nothing represents a breach in security or inspires fear as
quickly as concerns over money. Of all of Satan's schemes, his deception
concerning wealth has become one of the most successful in turning people's
hearts away from God. First Timothy 6:10 reminds us, "The love of money
is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from
the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with
many sorrows."
Satan will frequently use the perceived need for material
security against you - motivating you through fear of the future to
choose against trusting God. This can happen in a hundred different
ways, but it generally involves clear-cut albeit difficult choices
that will either honor God or temporarily calm your fears. On one
side is God's way - the path He has directed you to through His Word
and Spirit. On the other side is the "common sense" choice - the
option that appeals to earthly wisdom.
For the man in the crowd, the issue was his inheritance. In
Luke 12:13 he said, "Teacher, tell my brother to divide the
inheritance with me." Although the man may have had a right to the
inheritance, Jesus saw right away that it was a stumbling block to him - it
was blinding him to the truly important issues. Not only was the man
willing to divide his family over his claim, but his desire for his
portion of the inheritance was impeding him from receiving the salvation
Jesus was preaching. Jesus was there to offer him eternal life, and
all he could think about was the money owed to him.
That is why Jesus responded, "Beware of covetousness, for
one's life does not consist in the abundance of the things he
possesses" (Luke 12:15). Though here on earth it may seem like money moves
the world, it doesn't. God does. Your wealth - or lack thereof - has
nothing to do with your security. It is only a mirage of a world that is
fading away (see James 1:11; 1 Pet. 1:24). Only God keeps you truly
safe. He is the one who feeds you and clothes you (see Luke 12:22-29).
He is the One who protects your life and will one day require it of
you (see Luke 12:20).
Remember that whenever you are confronted with a dilemma about
monetary issues, do what honors God. And always remember Jesus' words of
encouragement: "Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father's good
pleasure to give you the kingdom. Sell what you have and give alms;
provide yourselves money bags which do not grow old, a treasure in the
heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches nor moth destroys.
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also" (Luke
12:32-34).
You are worth a lot more than the assets in your portfolio,
and your Father knows your needs even before you ask Him. Therefore,
do not fear. Honor God and trust Him to be your security in every
situation. Because when He is your treasure - you truly have everything you
need and much, much more. [Life Principles SB By Charles Stanley re
Luke 12:13-34]
The fix or solution for this problem of covetousness or greed is
found more fully discussed by Christ in the passage that follows in
Luke 12:22-34.
Grace Notes:
http://www.e-gracenotes.org/index.php
A Better Way to Live:
http://www.itiswritten.com/betterway/
Excellent Spiritual Resource Site:
http://www.christianlifemediacenter.com/
More Spiritual Resources:
http://www.aBible.com
