Money is important. Unfortunately, for many, the pursuit and accumulation of wealth become an all-consuming way of life. This is unhealthy, especially for followers of Jesus Christ. On several occasions, Jesus warned His followers about the dangers of money. One such warning is recorded in Luke’s gospel.
The Parable of the Rich Fool
Luke 12:13-15: Someone in the crowd said to Him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.” But He replied, “Sir, who made Me a judge or arbitrator over you?” Then He said to them, “Watch out and be on guard against every form of greed; for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things that he possesses.”
Luke 12:16-21: And He spoke a parable to them, saying, “The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully. And he reasoned within himself, saying, ‘What should I do, because I have no place to store my crops?’ And he said, ‘I will do this: I will pull down my barns and build larger ones; and I will store all my grain and my goods there. And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have much goods laid up for many years. Relax, eat, drink, and be merry.”’ But God said to him, ‘You senseless one, this night your soul is demanded of you. And the things you have prepared—whose will they be?’ So is the one who stores up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God.”
What began as a dispute between two brothers over money became an opportunity for Jesus to teach a profound lesson about the danger of prioritizing material wealth over spiritual wealth.
The core of Jesus’ message is encapsulated in this statement: “Watch out and be on guard against every form of greed; for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of possessions.” The phrase “watch out and be on guard” is language typically used in reference to thieves who operate in darkness or deceit to steal. In this case, the thief is greed—the desire for more.
The second part of Jesus’ warning reveals why greed can never truly satisfy: “For one’s life does not consist in the abundance of possessions.” In other words, “more” does not equal “better.” This truth stands in stark contrast to the values of modern Western culture. Despite having more than enough, many still yearn for more. I would wager that most of us struggle to define what amount of “stuff” is truly enough.
Jesus doesn’t criticize the farmer for his hard work, ingenuity, or even his good fortune. Instead, He points out the man’s misguided heart. The farmer’s response to his prosperity was to find a way to keep even more, believing that life is defined by what one possesses. He planned to tear down his barns and build larger ones to store his wealth. Yet that very night, his life was demanded of him, and all of his riches would pass to someone else. What was the point of it all?
Why does this parable seem out of step with our current culture? Doesn’t God want us to secure our futures? Shouldn’t we save and wisely steward our resources for when we can no longer work? The issue isn’t whether to save; the issue is this:
- How do I define a good life?
- Am I constantly seeking more, or do I know when I have enough?
- Am I “rich” toward God?
This is where Jesus drives the point home: being “rich toward God.” Being rich toward God means understanding that our real need is faith in Him. It’s trusting that God will meet our needs when we rely on Him. It’s recognizing that the fruit of the Spirit is more desirable than any material wealth the world can offer.
Near the end of his life, the Apostle Paul wrote to Timothy about some Christian leaders who were deceived into believing they could use godliness for personal gain. This is all too common today. We see ministers who live in lavish luxury—private jets, yachts, mansions—turning the preaching of the gospel into a means of personal enrichment. In contrast, Paul instructed Timothy to recognize that having just food and clothing is enough. This is the heart that is “rich toward God.”
I must admit, I’m not there yet. I can’t honestly say I would be content with just food and clothing. My life in America has accustomed me to much more, and I often wrestle with the desire for comfort and security that wealth can provide. Yet, I am continually reminded that true contentment is not found in material possessions. It’s easy to become entangled in the pursuit of more—more things, more money, more status—and to believe that these things will bring lasting satisfaction. But the more we accumulate, the more we find ourselves yearning for even more, never truly feeling fulfilled.
I strive to ask myself some fundamental questions about my attitude toward money, because I know that how I view wealth is deeply connected to my relationship with God. How much is enough? How much should I keep, and why am I keeping it? These are questions I believe every follower of Christ must wrestle with. We live in a culture that constantly tells us that more is better, that happiness is tied to the things we own. But Jesus challenges that notion, calling us to consider the treasures that truly matter—the riches that are found in a life devoted to God.
In reflecting on this parable, I am reminded that being “rich toward God” means more than giving Him a portion of our wealth or resources; it means giving Him our hearts, our trust, and our priorities. It means recognizing that true abundance is not found in material wealth but in the joy and peace that come from living in alignment with God’s will. The blessings of this world are temporary, and the pursuit of them will never bring the lasting fulfillment that we find in Christ.
I am thankful that the Lord has blessed me with good health and some degree of prosperity, but I am learning that these are not the essence of my life. If I were to lose everything, I trust that the Lord would still provide, as He always has. My prayer for every follower of Jesus is that we would examine our hearts and attitudes toward money and possessions. Let us not fall into the trap of believing that more will make us happier or more secure. Instead, may we be intentional in seeking to be “rich toward God”—filling our lives with faith, love, and generosity. May we find our true treasure in Him and use whatever we have for His glory, trusting that He will meet all our needs and provide for us in every season.
Your Brother in Christ,