This takes a look at a story that comes from Luke 12. In this story Jesus encounters someone whose main focus and worry in life is money. Jesus share some important truth with this man, and it’s truth we can also apply to ourselves today.
Pursuing money, over God, is foolish
Jesus had just been teaching on some very important topic when he was approached by a man. He was surrounded by thousands of people and this man had to have fought through the crowd to get to Jesus, but all he had to say was something about money.
Luke 12:13-15 Then someone called from the crowd, “Teacher, please tell my brother to divide our father’s estate with me.” Jesus replied, “friend, who made me a judge over you to decide such things as that?” Then he said, “Beware! Guard against every kind of greed. Life is not measured by how much you own.”
The man showed what he cared about most in just one statement. Jesus was pretty surprised by what he said. He basically asked why this man was bugging him about money. He gives the man a warning that we can all take to heart. He went on to tell a very important parable.
Luke 12:16-21 Then he told them a story: “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.”
This is where Jesus gets to the heart of the matter. He basically says that no matter how much money you have, if you neglect your relationship with God you are foolish. By putting money before God you are essentially turning money into an idol that you will begin to worship.
Worrying over a lack of money isn’t trusting God
In this moment Jesus doesn’t just address those who have too much money, he also addresses those who don’t have enough. This can bring about a whole new set of worries and anxieties that can pull our attention away from God.
Luke 12:22-30 Then, turning to his disciples, Jesus said, “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food to eat or enough clothes to wear. For life is more than food, and your body more than clothing. Look at the ravens. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for God feeds them. And you are far more valuable to him than any birds! Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? And if worry can’t accomplish a little thing like that, what’s the use of worrying over bigger things? “And don’t be concerned about what to eat and what to drink. Don’t worry about such things. These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers all over the world, but your Father already knows your needs.
Jesus is telling us that when we let things like money, food, or clothing dominate our minds that we are acting like unbelievers. If we truly follow Jesus we should be able to trust in God to provide and we shouldn’t worry about money. When we worry we are basically telling God that we don’t really trust him.
The only way to overcome worry is to pursue God
If you are placing all of your focus on God, then you won’t have a need to worry.
Luke 12:31 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need.
Financial security isn’t where we will find peace, comfort, and joy. These things will come from seeking God first. God should be your top priority. And seeking God first is simple. All it takes is trusting in Jesus, honoring God, and helping other people. We don’t have to worry about finances because God is on our side. We should take comfort in this and give our anxieties to Him. We need to keep our eyes on him and pursue him with our whole hearts.
- Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
- What is your initial reaction to this video? Do you disagree with any of it? What jumped out at you?
- On a scale of 1 to 10, how much do you worry about money?
- What are some signs that you are pursuing money over God?
- What’s the difference between unhealthy worry and responsible financial planning?
- Why is our attitude toward money so closely related to our trust in God?
- Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?
