Tuesday
Luke 12:16-21

It is human nature to desire financial success. There are few people you will come across who, if asked if money is a priority in their life, would say, “No.” However, the Bible is clear that while money is not evil, the love of it is (1 Timothy 6:10). Jesus tells a parable about a man who becomes so wealthy he has to build new storehouses for his wealth. He feels secure in his retirement, as it were, and decided to just kick back and enjoy life. The man was so comfortable in his success he neglected his spiritual life.

There is nothing wrong with being financially responsible and preparing for the future. The problem lies in being consumed with personal comfort and wealth rather than having concern for God’s kingdom. Jesus reminds us to “store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:20-21). All you have to do is look at how you spend your money and your time to find out what matters most to you. If the answer has no eternal value, but rather temporal selfish gain, it might be worth re-evaluating your priorities.

Interestingly, right after Jesus speaks about treasures in heaven, he speaks about anxiety. There is much freedom to be found in living an open-handed life. When we see our wealth and possessions as God’s to begin with, we are able to release our grip on them and use them in generous ways.