JULY 22, 2013
More,
More, More
Read: Luke 12:13-21
Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s
life does not consist in the
abundance of the things he possesses. —Luke 12:15
Some
people love to shop. They have a perpetual desire to buy, buy, buy. The
craze
to find the latest deal is worldwide. There are huge shopping malls in China,
Saudi Arabia, Canada, the Philippines, the United States, and around the world.
A
rise in store purchases and online buying show that buying is a global
phenomenon.
Shopping
can be fun. Certainly, there is nothing wrong with trying to find a real deal
and to enjoy the things God has given to us. But when we become preoccupied
with
obtaining material goods, we lose focus.
Jesus
challenged His listeners with these words: “Take heed and beware of
covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he
possesses” (Luke 12:15). He went on to tell a parable about a man “who lays up
treasure for himself,” but is not concerned about his relationship with God
(v.21).
How
can we learn to be content with what we have and not be consumed with
amassing
more? Here are some ways: View material goods as given by God to
be used wisely
(Matt. 25:14-30). Work hard to earn and save money (Prov. 6:6-11).
Give to the
Lord’s work and those in need (2 Cor. 9:7; Prov. 19:17). And always
remember to
be thankful and to enjoy what God gives (1 Tim. 6:17).
Lord, our hearts often run after “stuff.”
Teach us not to be obsessed with collecting
more and more material goods. May we instead
learn what it means to be “rich” toward You.
To be rich in God is far better than to be rich in goods.
Source: Our Daily Bread 2013
