By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo
Luke 12:15, 19-20 "Then he said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.” … And I’ll say to myself, “You have plenty of grain laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry.” ’ “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?’" - NIV
A rich parable it was that Jesus gave. This followed a warning against all kinds of greed for material possessions. The rich man’s yield was good. To store his goods, he would break the small stores and build bigger ones. Then he would tell his soul to relax, make merry and enjoy. He trusted his wealth to solve all his problems. But God called him a fool for trusting his wealth. Jesus concluded that our lives are not defined by material wealth, but by a rich relationship with God.
Wealth is good, but can be deceptive. It creates false security, promises a good comfortable life and anything else one could ever need. With this, a person will think they don’t even need God. Those who are under its control find it hard to enter God’s kingdom. There are things wealth cannot do except God Who remains the only One who can fulfill man’s greatest need for a Savior.
We need wealth for several good reasons. But we are cautioned not to put our trust in it. It has potential to influence people away from trusting their Creator. But rightly acquired and used, wealth is a great blessing in every way. Be alert against all forms of greed, deception of riches and ungodly means of wealth acquisition. Commit to make wealth and enjoy it in ways that honor God.
Matthew 13:22 "The seed falling among the thorns refers to someone who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, making it unfruitful."
Psalm 62:10 "Do not trust in extortion or put vain hope in stolen goods; though your riches increase, do not set your heart on them."
Shalom children of God.