Possession Obsession
“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.”
Luke 12:15
One of the most annoying things for someone who is addressing an audience is to have someone interupt them right in the middle of their speech. Even the most brilliant speaker could lose their train of thought.
This happened to Jesus, but it didn’t interupt His train of thought. Instead, He used it as a teaching opportunity.
Two men in the crowd were arguing over their inheritance. I can imagine one of them saying, “Oh yeah? Let’s see what the Teacher says about this! He’ll tell you to give me my fair share!”
So he yells out
“…Teacher, tell my brother to divide the family inheritance with me.”
Luke 12:13
Jesus answers:
“… 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.”
Luke 12:14-15
Then Jesus elaborates further by using a parable.
“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 12:16-21
Next, Jesus reminds the disciples not to worry because God is taking care of them.
Jesus then gives them the proper perspective about possessions:
“Sell your possessions and give to charity; make yourselves money belts which do not wear out, an unfailing treasure in heaven, where no thief comes near nor moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
Luke 12:33-34
So, my question for you is not “What’s in your wallet?” My question is:
“Do you have possessions or do they have you?”
