Digging Deeper – November 15, 2023
“Beware! Guard against every kind of greed. Life is not measured by how much you own.”
Luke 12:15 (NLT)
THE FOOL’S AMBITION
On Tuesday, I shared some sobering statistics about the self-storage industry in the United States. What you may not have realized is that the self-storage industry has existed for more than 2,000 years!
On one occasion, the crowds had begun pressing in as Jesus was teaching. A man in the crowd implored Jesus to tell his brother to divide his inheritance with him. Jesus responded as he often did – with a parable. He shared the story of a wealthy man whose land had produced an incredible harvest. The man wondered what he should do because he didn’t have the space to store all his crops. So, he devised a plan:
“Then he said, ‘I know! I’ll tear down my barns and build bigger ones. Then I’ll have room enough to store all my wheat and other goods. And I’ll sit back and say to myself, “My friend, you have enough stored away for years to come. Now take it easy! Eat, drink, and be merry!”’ Luke 12:18-19 (NLT)
What a novel idea! I’ll build bigger storehouses for all my stuff! I’ll have it made, and I can party like it’s 1999!”
How did the Lord respond to this man’s plan?
“But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?’ So is the one who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God.” (v. 20-21 ESV)
This is a warning you and I need to heed! God always provides enough for us, but we often desire more. And there are times when God blesses us far above even our desires – and it is in these moments our hearts are put to the test! Will we look for ways to bless others, or will we search for ways to stockpile our riches?
I don’t ever want God to call me a fool! Let’s keep our hearts tender and be on the lookout for ways we keep our focus on building a firm foundation on Christ.
C.A. Phillips serves as Communications Pastor and Director of Men’s Groups at NorthStar Church. He is a graduate of the Henry W. Grady School of Journalism at the University of Georgia, and he loves the Dawgs and the Atlanta Braves. He has two (grown) boys and lives in Kennesaw with his wife, Amy, and their German Shepherd, Abby.
