There’s times when cold biscuits taste like sweet ambrosia.”
–Elmer Kelton (The Pumpkin Rollers)
“Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have.”
–Philippians 4:11(NLT)
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“To be a fool in God’s eyes is to have missed the point of life,” so states Gary Inrig. If you are following our study in Proverbs you will find that God speaks very harshly of the fool. There is a parable regarding the fool found In Luke 12 that I want to spend some time examining.
Perhaps I should start by asking, how do you measure affluence and success? Usually people will say money and wealth, or fame and power, or prosperity and influence are the ways to describe success. Can possessions actually be a mark of success in the eyes of God? We read in Luke, “So, likewise, whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple.” (14:33, NKJV) Further in Luke, chapter 16 we read, “…For what is highly esteemed among men is an abomination in the sight of God.” (vs 15, NKJV) Ouch, harsh words. Is it that the Lord detests the things we aspire to gain, or need to live? It is surely more than that, for it is a question of attitude and motivation as well as that of possessions.
13 — Then one from the crowd said to Him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.”
14 — But He said to him, “Man, who made Me a judge or an arbitrator over you?” (NKJV)
It was common to bring disputes to a rabbi for clarification. Whether this was a trap set by the Pharisees or a voice from a concerned man wanting his full inheritance is one of debate. But notice, this man didn’t want a proper judgment, he wanted the Lord to take his side. He didn’t want justice, he told the Lord what to say. As Inrig points out, “he wants Jesus to meet his monetary needs.” He has missed the purpose and mission of Christ. Man’s purpose is not to accumulate, to search for wealth, riches, or fame. Man’s purpose is to seek God.
15 — And He said to them, “Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.” (NKJV)
for not even when one has an abundance does his life consist of his possessions. (NASB)
“Don’t be greedy! Owning a lot of things won’t make your life safe.” (CEV)
Jesus is calling to attention the spirit behind what is being said. The man’s desire is to have more wealth than he needed. Barclay translates this verse, “Watch and guard yourself against the spirit which is always wanting more.” This man was not content with what he had, he wanted more. “More–more–more” is the cry of the greedy heart. Greed, wanting more, is like a man drinking sea water. The more a man drinks the thirstier he becomes.
People miss the purpose in life, and that’s a shame. Sometimes when I see the greed of the bureaucrats and how they lie, cheat, and steal to gain more I get upset. Then the Spirit taps the shoulder of my heart and I grieve. Don’t they know that all will be lost? Don’t they know that there is more to life? Don’t they know that there is eternity and judgment waiting? When death comes, what then? They miss the purpose, and as Leon Morris said, “He [Jesus] came to bring men to God, not property to man.” The Lord is not in the midst of prosperity despite what some preach. He is not there to bring wealth, abundance, and prosperity. “Owning a lot of things won’t make your life safe.”
The Lord is giving a warning. Watch out for greed. “It is the very opposite of contentment that accompanies true godliness.” (Inrig) There is no doubt as to the meaning of the Lord in these verses. “God alone is the source of life; God alone controls life; God alone gives life.” Paul wrote to Timothy words that we should hearken to, “Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.” (1 Timothy 6:6-7, NKJV)