“Did you hear that they’re having a sale that ends today?”
“You’ve got to buy this…you’ll be so happy you invested in it!”
“They’re running out of this style…get it right away!”
Phrases like these put a fire under our feet, and if we can’t get our hands on the latest and greatest that the store has to offer, we feel let down. It’s so easy to get blinded by the false sense of security of possessions. Have you ever given in and spent a small fortune on the trendiest pair of shoes, just to see it at the bottom of the shoe pile a week later?
While there is absolutely nothing wrong with wearing the latest brands or sporting trendy styles, if you allow things to determine your happiness, it can steal your joy.
In Luke 12, Jesus tells the parable of a rich man who tore down his barns and built bigger ones to store his material things. God told him to watch out because it was foolish to store up earthly wealth, but not have a rich relationship with Him. We are reminded to “watch out” when it comes to greed. Think about the circular, red “Do Not Enter” sign you may encounter while driving. It is a reminder to be cautious as you may enter a danger zone if you continue in that direction.
Why does greed lead us the direction of a false sense of security? We make the mistake of putting our security and satisfaction in what is temporary and not what will last. It removes our focus on the Provider, our Father God. He is the giver of good things and knows what we need before we even ask.
While the rich man seemed happy when he stored up all his goods, he didn’t realize that his life might soon come to an end and how short-lived that happiness would be. What good is a storehouse full of possessions when you are not around to enjoy it? However, when we are rich in good works and give generously, we are storing up treasure as a “good foundation” for the future to take hold of eternal life (1 Timothy 6:19).
Our joy comes from being rich toward God because we gain so much more when we invest in what is eternal, like time in God’s Word and prayer. When we do that, our perspective changes. We discover that our contentment isn’t about what is going on around us, rather what is going on in us.
-Betsy
