KEY VERSE: _*"And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth" (LUKE 12:15).*_
Leo Tolstoy once wrote a story about a successful peasant farmer who wanted more of everything. One day, he received a novel offer. For 1,000 rubles, he could own all the land and walk around in a day. The only catch in the deal was that he had to be back at his starting point by sundown. Early the next morning, he started out walking at a fast pace. By midday, he was very tired, but kept going, covering more ground. Well into the afternoon, he realised his greed had taken him far from the starting point. He quickened his pace as the sun began to sink low in the sky. He began to run, knowing that if he could not make it to the starting point, the opportunity to become an even bigger landholder would be lost. Gasping for breath, he kept running until he got to the starting point where he collapsed and eventually died.
While answering a question by someone about dividing inheritance, Jesus warned against covetousness. He backed up His teaching with a story of a greedy man, who had to pull down his barn to make space for a bigger one to store his goods after a bountiful harvest. Trusting in his store of goods, he relaxed, thinking he has amassed enough to last him a lifetime. Suddenly, he died and left everything behind. Jesus ended by encouraging us not to worry over what to eat, drink or wear. We should seek first the kingdom of God and all other things shall be added to us.
Little is much when God is in it. Satisfaction and happiness comes from God. We should, therefore, accommodate Him in all our pursuits and plans.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: _*Your soul is more important than anything.*_
THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: *1 SAMUEL 17-18*
Our Lord Jesus Christ, in the text describes these evils as covetousness and says we should “Take heed” and shun them because “man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.”
Many people are willing to die to attain fame, success and power. In their imagination, success is defined in terms of material acquisition. They eventually die leaving whatever they gained behind and needlessly fall into the flame of eternal horror.
Believers should take a cue from the Lord’s admonition. If you have ruined your life because of the frenetic greed for material acquisition, retrace your steps and make the pursuit of the kingdom of God and His righteousness your utmost priority. SHALOM
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