In a world where the pursuit of wealth often overshadows spiritual matters, it's crucial to pause and reflect on the true direction of our finances. Recently, while delving into the Gospel of Luke, I stumbled upon a profound lesson in Chapter 12 that resonated deeply with me.
Today, I want to delve deeper into this scripture and share three key points inspired by it, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging God's ownership over our resources and directing our money toward His purposes.
Money Mistakes:
The passage in Luke 12 unfolds with Jesus sharing a parable about a rich man whose abundant harvest led him to plan for a life of ease and indulgence. However, God's response to him was unexpected—calling him a fool. Why? Because the man failed to consider God in his financial decisions. He made plans without consulting the Creator of all things, denying God's ownership over his wealth.
This serves as a poignant reminder that our finances are not ours alone; they belong to God. Psalm 24:1 declares, "The earth is the Lord's, and everything in it." When we make financial decisions without considering God, we fall into the trap of covetousness and greed.
Furthermore, the story highlights the folly of storing up treasures for oneself on earth, where moth and rust destroy and thieves break in and steal (Matthew 6:19). The rich man's focus on accumulating wealth for his own pleasure led to spiritual poverty and ultimately, his demise. This cautionary tale prompts us to examine our own attitudes toward wealth and material possessions. Are we hoarding wealth for our own enjoyment, or are we using it to bless others and advance God's kingdom?
Being Rich Toward God:
Contrary to the foolish rich man, Jesus teaches us the wisdom of being "rich toward God" (Luke 12:21). What does this entail? It begins with recognizing God's ownership and purpose for our resources. Tithing, the practice of giving the first 10% of our income back to God, is a tangible way to acknowledge His ownership and prioritize His kingdom. Beyond tithing, being rich toward God means involving Him in all our financial decisions. Whether it's choosing a job, managing our expenses, or investing, we seek God's guidance and align our choices with His will.
Furthermore, being rich toward God involves using our finances to advance His kingdom—supporting missions, outreach, and the proclamation of the Gospel. Our money becomes a tool for eternal impact when directed toward God's purposes. As stewards of God's resources, we have the privilege and responsibility to invest in what matters most to Him. Proverbs 11:24-25 reminds us, "One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed."
The Eternal Dimension:
Finally, the story in Luke 12 reminds us of the fleeting nature of earthly wealth and the eternal significance of investing in God's kingdom. While worldly possessions can be lost or stolen, the impact of our investments in God's kingdom lasts for eternity. Jesus encourages us to store up treasures in heaven, where they are secure from decay and theft (Matthew 6:20). Every dollar given toward advancing God's kingdom yields an eternal record, reward, and impact. Lives are transformed, souls are saved, and God's kingdom expands through our faithful stewardship. Philippians 4:17 assures us, "Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account."
Conclusion:
As we reflect on the lesson from Luke 12, let's examine the direction of our finances. Are we making money mistakes by neglecting God's ownership and purpose? Are we being intentional about being rich toward God—acknowledging His ownership, involving Him in our financial decisions, and investing in His kingdom? And do we recognize the eternal dimension of our financial stewardship, knowing that every dollar directed toward God's kingdom yields eternal rewards?
Let's commit to aligning our finances with God's purposes, aiming our resources toward His kingdom, and experiencing the joy of making an eternal impact through faithful stewardship. After all, as Charles Feeney understood, it's far more fulfilling to give while we live than to leave our wealth behind when we depart from this world. May our finances be directed toward God's kingdom, where true riches are found.
As we embrace the direction of money outlined in Luke 12, may we find fulfillment, purpose, and eternal significance in our financial stewardship.