A true success story. That’s what he was. The envy of everyone around him. You wish you could have been this guy.
Jesus told us his story in Luke chapter 12.
This guy had a very successful farm. It was so successful that it returned more than he anticipated. And when faced with all this success here is what this man decided to do:
‘Here’s what I’ll do: I’ll tear down my barns and build bigger ones. Then I’ll gather in all my grain and goods, and I’ll say to myself, Self, you’ve done well! You’ve got it made and can now retire. Take it easy and have the time of your life!’ Luke 12:18-19 (MSG)
Other than this guy speaking to himself, what’s wrong with this picture? We all want to be successful, have lots of money and be able to take it easy in life. “Eat, drink, and be merry!” Right?
Well here is how the story ends for this guy:
“Fool! Tonight you die. And your barnful of goods—who gets it?” Luke 12:20 (MSG)
The problem here is that money and success had become this man’s idol. And that is our potential problem as well. We need money to survive and function in society. But we also need to make sure that money doesn’t become something that takes our attention away from God. That is idolatry.
So how do you make sure money keeps its appropriate place in your life? Here are a couple of suggestions:
Remember that all your money belongs to God.
God is the one that has blessed you with your ability to make money. He is asking you to take the money He has blessed you with and to manage it to care for you, your family, and those around you.
Give your money away.
Anything that you are willing to give away will not become an idol in your life. Find ways to bless others with your money. Find a worthy charity to support. Give your tithes and offerings to your local church.
Let’s make sure that money never takes a higher position in our lives than God intended.
How does money play a factor in your life? Email me at milton@ktsy.org to let me know.
Photo by Karolina Grabowska from Pexels To hear more on this subject, check out Chaplain Milton’s sermon by clicking on the video below.
