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The rich fool!

"Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God.” (Luke 12:21)

• Are you giving God the credit for things He has done?
• Are you including God in all your plans?
• Are you spending your resources for the building of the eternal kingdom?
• Are you storing up your treasures where moth and rust cannot eat them?
• Are you flowing in accordance with God’s plan for your life?

In the parable of the rich fool, Jesus spoke about a man who had a good occupation, a man who planned carefully for his life and for future success. He did not waste his money on riotous living as did the prodigal son. Funny thing is that in our world context we would consider him to be a success. I know many professionals, business people and well to do people who live just like this.

Why did God call him a fool? According to the dictionary’s definition a ‘fool’ is a person without spiritual discernment; wreckless habit of mind; lacking common sense. He had his retirement planned....but God said..."THOU FOOL." He was a fool because he did not recognize that his material blessings came from God, nor did he recognize any obligation to God in the use of his possessions. Fools leave God out of their lives.

In what is referred to as “The parable of the Rich Fool” in Luke 12:16-21, the Lord gives us five principles of what happens when our hearts are focused exclusively on ourselves.

1. When our hearts are focused on ourselves we do not give God the credit for the things He has done. (v. 16-18)

2. When our hearts are focused on ourselves we make plans but leave God out. (v. 17-18)

3. When our hearts are focused on ourselves we consider spending our resources only on ourselves. (v. 19)

4. When our hearts are focused on ourselves we store our treasure in the wrong places. (v. 20)

5. When our hearts are focused on ourselves we will find ourselves in conflict with God's plan for our lives. (v. 21)

Many people are like the rich fool. They think about their wealth and health, they enjoy the pleasures of life, but they forget that they are not going to live forever. No matter how well we take care of ourselves, someday every one of us will die. THEN WHAT? In eternity it is the health of the spirit that matters, not the shape of the body. Bill Gates will be no better off than a homeless man when they both enter eternity --- because it’s our investments in Heaven that pay off, not our bank accounts on earth. Jesus talks a lot about “rewards that will be great in Heaven” and not on earth.

I have this plaque on my kitchen wall. “Only one life, ‘twill soon be past. Only what’s done for Christ will last.” How is your Heavenly Portfolio looking today? Are you putting God above gold? People above pleasure and eternity above your own ease and comfort?

“What is really important in your life?” The answer is found in verse 21, life in spite of all its complexities can be reduced to the very simple decision “Are you going to store up heavenly treasure and have a rich relationship with God?"

Prayer Points:

• Heavenly Father, You have given us a great inheritance through Jesus Christ.
• Open our eyes to see that our short time on earth is a preparation period for an eternity with You.
• Help us see that there are certain rewards and benefits that we will not receive on earth but only in Heaven.
• Help us to invest wisely and consider You and Your kingdom in every decision we make.
• May we be rich towards You and Your will for our lives.

In Jesus’ Name I pray,
Amen