Rich toward God?
Then he said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.”
(Luke 12:15)
To illustrate the above lesson, Jesus told the Parable of the Rich Fool: He was busy considering how to indulge himself in the great produce of his fertile farm; he was planning on remodeling his barns and stores into bigger ones; he was looking forward to giving himself praise for putting in place his security fund for years to come, in which he would ‘take it easy, eat and drink and be merry!’ (Luke 12:13-21) He didn’t need that excess then, that’s why he planned it for years to come. Perhaps he had neighbours who needed the food, but he was instead storing it up for himself; perhaps he had not taken off the tithe to God; perhaps he had not taken off a contribution to support the gospel mission announced in his church; perhaps he had not considered some of his relatives in need of assistance. Jesus called him a fool!
What does it mean to be rich? Exploring the meaning of poverty, Diamandis, in his book Abundance, observes that “Today most poverty-stricken Americans have a television, telephone, electricity, running water, and indoor plumbing. Most Africans do not. If you transferred the goods and services enjoyed by those who live in California’s version of poverty to the average Somalian, that Somalian is suddenly fabulously rich.” Then what does it mean to be rich – in California? The different parameters to measure wealth will keep varying from place to place and from time to time; but we need find out and pursue Jesus’ version, which does not change.
I salute the great givers, and leadership of this Church and their great ministry efforts in different tasks – Pastoral and administrative leadership, in worship services, music practice, fellowships, committee meetings, caring for one another when sick or bereaved, or even when in financial need. As I proceed for my annual leave next month in greater measure the team that will carry on this ministry under the leadership of Rev. Capt Jaspher Oluge. I testify that many ministers do it all for the love of God, and this I believe this is growing wealth in your heavenly bank account.
In conclusion, our Lord Jesus Christ seriously warns ‘whoever stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God.’ We all want to be rich, but no one wants to be like the Rich Fool. Avail yourself today for deployment in the Lord’s vineyard; continue serving the Almighty God with joy and consistency; consider sharing what you have with neighbours in the name of Jesus; give some quality time to a friend, just to listen and encourage them; do not grow weary in doing good and supporting a noble cause at Church and in the community; look beyond yourself and your security tomorrow – entrust that to God and let Him use you to bless many others today. Do all these and more as the Holy Spirit guides you, and you will truly be rich here on earth and also be rich toward God.
God bless you.