When "More" Isn't Enough
When “More” Isn’t Enough: A Reflection on Luke 12:13–21
Scripture: Luke 12:13-21 (ESV)
Someone in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.” But he said to him, “Man, who made me a judge or arbitrator over you?” And he said to them, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.”
And he told them a parable, saying, “The land of a rich man produced plentifully, and he thought to himself, ‘What shall I do, for I have nowhere to store my crops?’ And he said, ‘I will do this: I will tear down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.”’
But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?’ So is the one who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God.”
The Pull for “More”
Do you remember the day you first moved out on your own? For me, it was the day after high school graduation. I had my own apartment, two jobs, and—at least on paper—everything figured out.
In reality? I quickly learned that life was going to be more eggs and patio furniture than fine dining and stylish décor. And like so many of us, I found myself craving more. More food options, more furniture, more clothes, more space.
That same longing for more sets the stage in Luke 12. Jesus is in the middle of teaching when someone interrupts Him to settle a family dispute over an inheritance. Instead of stepping into the role of a legal judge, Jesus uses the moment to warn against covetousness.
The Rich Fool’s Problem
Jesus tells the story of a rich farmer who has a bumper crop—more than he can store. Instead of seeing it as an opportunity to bless others, he sees it as a problem to solve for himself. His solution? Tear down his barns and build bigger ones.
Reading his words is telling: I will do this. I will tear down. I will store my grain. I will say to my soul… It’s all about I. God is nowhere in his thinking.
And then, suddenly, God steps into the picture: “Fool! This night your soul is required of you…” All his careful plans crumble in an instant. His wealth, his barns, his future—all meaningless the moment his life ends.
When We Make the Same Mistake
I’ve been there—thinking I had it all planned out. I even once calculated my first budget as a teenager and thought I’d have $100 left over every month! But God’s question echoes through time: “Whose will your possessions be?”
We spend years collecting stuff, only to have it become a burden to those we leave behind. And sometimes it takes loss—a flood, a fire, a sudden tragedy—to remind us that it can all vanish in a heartbeat.
Being “Rich Toward God”
If earthly treasures are fleeting, what does it mean to be “rich toward God”?
A Mirror for Our Hearts
Jesus’ parable isn’t just about one rich man—it’s a mirror for us. Are we building bigger barns for ourselves? Or are we investing in what truly lasts—God’s kingdom?
I’ve lived in my current home for seven years and still haven’t built that yard shed. And I’ve learned something: less really is more. Life isn’t about stockpiling possessions—it’s about being rich toward God.
Living Differently
Being rich toward God begins with a transformed heart. We don’t have to give everything away to live generously, but we do need to loosen our grip on possessions.
Think about that thing you’re holding onto too tightly. Think about ways you can use your resources—time, talents, money—for God’s purposes. Don’t be the fool whose plans end at the grave. Use your blessings for what truly lasts.
Final Question to Reflect On:
If Christ came today, whose would all our stuff be?
Better Question:
What could we do with it for God today?
Scripture: Luke 12:13-21 (ESV)
Someone in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.” But he said to him, “Man, who made me a judge or arbitrator over you?” And he said to them, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.”
And he told them a parable, saying, “The land of a rich man produced plentifully, and he thought to himself, ‘What shall I do, for I have nowhere to store my crops?’ And he said, ‘I will do this: I will tear down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.”’
But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?’ So is the one who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God.”
The Pull for “More”
Do you remember the day you first moved out on your own? For me, it was the day after high school graduation. I had my own apartment, two jobs, and—at least on paper—everything figured out.
In reality? I quickly learned that life was going to be more eggs and patio furniture than fine dining and stylish décor. And like so many of us, I found myself craving more. More food options, more furniture, more clothes, more space.
That same longing for more sets the stage in Luke 12. Jesus is in the middle of teaching when someone interrupts Him to settle a family dispute over an inheritance. Instead of stepping into the role of a legal judge, Jesus uses the moment to warn against covetousness.
The Rich Fool’s Problem
Jesus tells the story of a rich farmer who has a bumper crop—more than he can store. Instead of seeing it as an opportunity to bless others, he sees it as a problem to solve for himself. His solution? Tear down his barns and build bigger ones.
Reading his words is telling: I will do this. I will tear down. I will store my grain. I will say to my soul… It’s all about I. God is nowhere in his thinking.
And then, suddenly, God steps into the picture: “Fool! This night your soul is required of you…” All his careful plans crumble in an instant. His wealth, his barns, his future—all meaningless the moment his life ends.
When We Make the Same Mistake
I’ve been there—thinking I had it all planned out. I even once calculated my first budget as a teenager and thought I’d have $100 left over every month! But God’s question echoes through time: “Whose will your possessions be?”
We spend years collecting stuff, only to have it become a burden to those we leave behind. And sometimes it takes loss—a flood, a fire, a sudden tragedy—to remind us that it can all vanish in a heartbeat.
Being “Rich Toward God”
If earthly treasures are fleeting, what does it mean to be “rich toward God”?
- Put God first. Shift the priority from possessions to the One who gave them.
- Use your blessings for others. We’re stewards, not owners. Every resource we have is a gift from God to be used for His kingdom.
A Mirror for Our Hearts
Jesus’ parable isn’t just about one rich man—it’s a mirror for us. Are we building bigger barns for ourselves? Or are we investing in what truly lasts—God’s kingdom?
I’ve lived in my current home for seven years and still haven’t built that yard shed. And I’ve learned something: less really is more. Life isn’t about stockpiling possessions—it’s about being rich toward God.
Living Differently
Being rich toward God begins with a transformed heart. We don’t have to give everything away to live generously, but we do need to loosen our grip on possessions.
Think about that thing you’re holding onto too tightly. Think about ways you can use your resources—time, talents, money—for God’s purposes. Don’t be the fool whose plans end at the grave. Use your blessings for what truly lasts.
Final Question to Reflect On:
If Christ came today, whose would all our stuff be?
Better Question:
What could we do with it for God today?
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