I love the story of the married couple who finally saved up enough money to have their old run-down kitchen transformed into the state-of-the-art culinary dream room they had always longed for. They spared no expense: oak wood cabinets, ceramic tiled floor, shiny new stainless-steel sink and marble counter tops, not to mention all-new matching kitchen appliances (including the toaster!) Everything was done to perfection, and they couldn’t have been more pleased (or so they thought).
One lazy afternoon, as the husband was relaxing on the sofa, admiring the recent renovations to their home, he began to thumb through one of the magazines that was lying on the coffee table - something about “Homes and Gardens.” It was full of beautiful photographs of luxurious houses and exquisite landscapes. A particular spread caught his attention: photos of a kitchen, much like his own, only a hundred times nicer: …nicer cabinets, shinier counter tops, and fancier appliances. Looking back at his “poor excuse for a kitchen”, a dark cloud of discontent slowly settled over him. As he tossed the magazine back on the table, one little word stood out from the rest - the most important word, and the reason he shouldn’t have picked up the magazine in the first place. Not “Homes and Gardens,” as he had originally supposed, but more specifically, “BETTER Homes and Gardens.” His kitchen was fine but theirs was better.
In today’s study, (Luke 12:13–34) a man from the crowd appealed to Jesus to arbitrate between him and his brother regarding the dividing of their inheritance. Jesus chose not to involve himself in their dispute, but did, however, use the opportunity to warn us about a sin that is all too common in our society and deeply engrained in our sinful nature… covetousness. Simply defined, it’s the attitude of placing too much value on temporal, earthly things, to the neglect of the more important and eternal matters of God’s kingdom. It’s spending your best time and effort pursuing positions and possessions, while disregarding the commandments of God in order to obtain them. Covetousness is often tied to jealousy and envy. It’s an insatiable appetite that always wants newer, better, and more. The Apostle Paul tells us covetousness essentially is idolatry. (Col. 3:5)
Jesus taught that a man’s life consists not in the abundance of the things he possesses. (Lk. 12:15)
When we, as Christians, stand before the Lord one day, we won’t be judged according to how much we had, but rather, by what we did with the things He gave us. Jesus went on to tell the story of a rich man who had an unusually abundant harvest. So much so, that he didn’t have enough room in his barns to store it all. (Now here’s where covetousness rears its ugly head.) Instead of considering how he might use the overflow to benefit the poor and needy, he decided to build larger barns and lay up for himself treasure here on earth. What he thought was a wise investment in his future was really nothing more than a selfish hoarding of that which could have been used to benefit others and further God’s kingdom. Turns out his future didn’t extend beyond that very evening, and sadly, “the rich man” entered his eternal home empty-handed.
Hebrews 13:5 says, “Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” Whether we have much or little in this life, the source of our contentment is not to be found in things, but in God. We are to learn to find rest in His abiding presence in our lives and in knowing that our future is secure in His capable, loving hands. Although there is nothing wrong with wanting nicer and better things, there is something wrong with not appreciating what God has already given.
What you value most will affect all your decisions in life. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. (Lk. 12:34)
So before you set out on a mission to “name and claim” everything you want or think you need, first be sure that it’s God Who’s doing the naming before you start doing the claiming!
Prayer: Loving God, thank You for providing all that I need. Please help me to keep my heart free from the love of things, and full of love for You.
