Luke 12:15—Then He said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.”
WARNING!!! Jesus Christ determined that greed is hazardous to our spiritual health.
Let's not candy-coat the words of the world's greatest Teacher or ignore the concerns of our Savior! Let's stop suggesting that preachers and teachers should not focus on issues that might make us feel guilty. Let's dare to engage in rigorous self-examination. In our land of plenty is one of the greatest spiritual dangers we face the insistent need to feed our materialistic appetites? Are we in danger of defining the value of life by what we own? Jesus said, “Watch out!”
Did Jesus say possessions are taboo? NO! Did He say that we should never buy or own anything? NO! Does the Bible give us examples of people being blessed with wealth, or making purchases—YES! So where do we draw the line?
Here’s a simple heart diagnostic test.
1. Am I uncomfortable about addressing the subject of possessions?
2. Do I find myself getting defensive about what I own and how I spend my time?
If the answer to either of these questions is “yes”, there is a strong probability that greed has gained higher ground in my life than I ever intended.
There is nothing wrong with a computer or a television—each is simply an inanimate object. But if I would rather play computer games or watch programs (especially of questionable content), than spend time fellowshipping with God, I’m in trouble! There is nothing wrong with a house, a yard, pets, clothing, cars, or food—unless my heart is drawn more to these things than to Jesus. The more I please myself by what I own the less inclined I am to focus on my relationship with a jealous God Who does not want to hold second, third, fourth or fifth place! In essence, if possessions have too great a hold of my heart I am in danger of idolatry!
Watch out! Better to live an abstemious life with a heart devoted to God than to one day stand before Him and have to give account for a non-ending love affair for that which He warned us would burn!
Inspiration
