Our scripture this morning is 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.”
Jesus again teaches about wealth and how it can affect our relationship with God and each other. In this story the successful farmer plans a way to keep more of his crop and goods with no thought of thanking God for His blessings or sharing what he has been given with others. God tells the farmer that he is foolish and all the things he has will now be someone else’s.
Jesus wants us to see that earthly things are only temporary and we must care more about our eternal life than wealth here. The farmer didn’t sin in being successful; he failed by not sharing what he had received and acknowledging God as the source of all good things. Only through an honest connection to our Heavenly Father and our brothers and sisters can we be saved.
We must not let things become more important than people or our faith. Everyone will be asked to give an account of their lives when Jesus returns for us. If we haven’t given God the glory and cared for His children, we are as foolish as the farmer Jesus warns about.
Loving Lord, help us to see that all good gifts come from You and to use our blessings as You intend. May Your Holy Spirit be with us and in us and work through us for the good of all people. Amen.