by Jeremy Paschall
John D. Rockefeller, founder of the Standard Oil Company and a well-known philanthropist, was once asked regarding money, “How much is enough?” His reply: “Just a little bit more.”
His answer is, I think, typical of most Americans. Who among us is fully satisfied with their current income? Who of us would not like another automobile, a bigger house, or a larger “nest egg” for retirement? The fact is that, generally, we are materialistic people.
Wealth and materialism were recurring topics in our Lord’s teaching. Consider this passage:
Someone in the crowd said to [Jesus], “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the family inheritance with me.” But He said to him, “Man, who appointed Me a judge or arbitrator over you?” Then He said to them, “Beware, and be on your guard against every form of greed; for not even when one has an abundance does his life consist of his possessions.” And He told them a parable, saying, “The land of a rich man was very productive. And he began reasoning to himself, saying, ‘What shall I do, since I have no place to store my crops?’ Then he said, ‘This is what I will do: I will tear down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years to come; take your ease, eat, drink and be merry.”’ But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your soul is required of you; and now who will own what you have prepared?’ So is the man who stores up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.” (Luke 12:13-21)
The rich man in the parable had all the material possessions he needed and wanted. He could live a life of luxury without concern for his financial situation. He was confidently ready for retirement. His future was certain. Or so he thought...
He had not truly planned for the future. Certainly he was prepared if he were able to live forever on this earth, but he had made no preparations for leaving this world and facing eternity. The Lord called him a fool because he had focused on the temporary instead of the lasting. The man was going to leave his material possessions behind.
Was Jesus teaching that it is wrong to be wealthy? No. He was talking about priorities — what is really important in life.
We must make a choice. We can either focus on the pursuit of this world’s goods, or we can concentrate on pursuing an eternal reward. We cannot fully devote ourselves to both. As Jesus said, “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth” (Matthew 6:24). We must ask ourselves which will provide the greater reward?
Considering the relative wealth which all of us enjoy in this country, we would certainly do well to consider these words written by the apostle Paul:
“Instruct those who are rich in this present world not to be conceited or to fix their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy.” (1 Timothy 6:17)
It’s easy for us to lose focus of the truly important matters — to trust in our temporal blessings instead of the Eternal One who has blessed us. Beware. Be on your guard. Don’t make that mistake.