One of the parables (life stories to illustrate moral or spiritual lessons) that Jesus taught was the parable of a foolish rich man in Luke 12:16-21, "A rich man had a fertile farm that produced fine crops. He said to himself, 'What should I do? I don't have room for all my crops.' 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! But God said to him, 'You fool! You will die this very night. Then who will get everything you worked for?' Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God. The moral or spiritual lesson of this particular parable is to pursue God more than the material things of this world. We may have all the material things of this world, but that does not mean we will have peace and joy in our hearts.
The more we pursue the latest and greatest materials in this world, the more we want something more. We can never be satisfied. I remember when I got my iPhone 11 pro, I was very excited. It had a beautiful camera that I could use to take pictures and videos for the ministry. But when iPhone 13 pro came along, I wanted to upgrade my iPhone 11 pro to it. I am not saying that it is bad to get the latest and greatest materials out there, but when it becomes an obsession before God, then there is a problem. When we sacrifice our obligation to God over the possessions of this world, then we are no longer living the life that honors and pleases God.
As believers, we should not allow the material things of this world to control us. Our identity does not come from our possessions, but it only comes from our relationship with our Heavenly Father. When it is time for us to be with our Heavenly Father in Heaven, our material possessions will not mean anything to us. So let us pursue our relationship with God over the material things of this world.
Ask yourself these questions: What would happen to all my possessions when it is time for me to be with my Heavenly Father? Do I pursue my relationship with God over the material things of this world?
Write down all the worries that you are facing today and lift them up to God.
Prayer:
Father in Heaven, thank you for blessings me with material things of this world. Please guard my heart against pursuing the things of this world over you, and I acknowledge that you are the only one who can give me peace and joy. Thank you for all your provisions. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.