Guard Against Covetousness and Find True Treasure, Part 2

October, 2004

by: Shelbi Cullen

Last month I addressed the issue of covetousness and how the Bible defines it. For quick summary; to covet means to have a greedy desire to have more, or to encroach on what belongs to others. We also learned that coveting comes from the heart (Mark 7:21-22). Not only that but when we covet we are being idolaters (Eph. 5:5) and downright wicked (Rom. 1:28-29). As we dig into Luke 12:13-34 a little deeper, Jesus helps the disciples and us to understand covetousness by telling a parable or using a word picture about a rich fool. (Luke 12:16-21). Jesus says in this parable that this rich fool had such abundance that he tore down his old barns and built new larger ones. This rich fool was comforted to think he had all he would ever need, and he told himself, “You have ample goods laid up for many years.” But what this man failed to understand is life is more important than material things. We need to guard against an attitude that says we would have an easy life only if we had everything we could possibly want or need materially speaking. But look at verse 20, what is God's response to this man? He cried out “You fool! In other words, how could you be without reflection and intelligence? God told him that that very night his soul would be required of him. But what of his riches? Well they would simply pass on to someone else. Such a man is not rich toward God. Following the parable of the Rich fool, Jesus says to his disciples in Luke 12: 22-23, “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat, nor about your body what you will put on. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing.” This brings us to Biblical Principal #1 — Stop Fretting about Your Life and Trust God. If you quickly survey the parable of the rich fool, you will notice that he was extremely self–focused. He was so consumed with self that he became anxious about his life situation and started hoarding his food. Is it any wonder that God is missing from his vocabulary? Jesus knows we have the same tendencies and we too respond anxiously when we become self–focused and anxious about our life. To test my point, think of the last time you were anxious about something. Were you focused on the sovereignty of God? Were you meditating on His Mercy or Grace? No! When we are anxious and worried we are self–focused like the rich fool and our sin of anxiousness is deeply rooted in a heart that is coveting and is not trusting God. Jesus gives the Disciples and us three reasons why anxiousness is foolish. Reason #1: Anxiousness is foolish because God will provide. (see verse 24.) Reason #2: Anxiousness is foolish because it cannot change your situation. (see verses 22-29.) Reason #3: Anxiousness is foolish because it's an attitude of an unbeliever. (See verses 29-30). As I look back and reflect on January 14, 2003 I clearly see that I had forgotten some important application to God's Truth. One: Remember, God is Jehovah–Jireh, He will provide. Two: Remember anxiousness doesn't add anything to your life; in fact it greatly hinders it. Three: Remember you have been redeemed, so stop acting as if you are someone who is outside the blessing of God. This is exactly what happens when we fail to trust God. In fact according to God's Word we have every reason to not fret and trust Him. Next month, we will look at Biblical Principal number two — Set Your Mind On Things Above; Where Christ Sits At the Right Hand of the Father.