The Abundance of Things

The Abundance of Things
Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses. —Luke 12: 15
Two brothers had been fighting over their inheritance. One thought the other was trying to cheat him, so he asked Jesus to intervene. But Jesus refused to become involved in an argument over things. Instead, He warned them against covetousness. After sharing a parable and pointing out the care God gives the ravens and the lilies, He then concluded by saying, “Seek the kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added to you” (Luke 12: 31).
**When you put God first, He takes care of all the rest.
It is amazing how distorted and out of balance a person’s life can get when they live only for material things. But when a person begins to follow after the things of the Spirit, their life comes into balance. Not only that, they gain peace, contentment, and joy they didn’t have before.
Jesus said, “It is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom” (Luke 12: 32). But is that what you value? Is your interest in eternal things, or only in temporal, material things—things that are passing away?
You might be very successful. But no matter how much you may amass, your life does not consist in chasing after bodily appetites. It doesn’t consist in the abundance of your possessions but in a real relationship with God, as your spirit is alive unto Him through your faith in Jesus.
Father, help us not to learn the hard way the truths we need to know. Help us live life with an open hand, not grasping this world, but reaching toward Your kingdom. Amen.