Saturday, 20 September 2025
BE RICH TOWARD GOD
And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully: And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits? (Luke 12:16-17).
The Lord Jesus, in Luke 12:16-21, introduced us to a certain rich man who found himself in a dilemma due to his increasing wealth. He said within himself, “... What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits?” (Luke 12:17). His solution was to tear down his barns and build greater ones to store his goods. Confident in his wealth, he then said to his soul, “...Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry” (Luke 12:19).
However, the narrative took a drastic turn as God interrupted his plans and said to him: “...Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?” (Luke 12:20). The rich man’s carefully stored wealth became meaningless in the face of eternity.
The Lord Jesus concluded with these sobering words: “So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God” (Luke 12:21). This parable warns against the folly of amassing wealth without regard for God or His Kingdom. It is not the possession of wealth that is condemned but the selfish hoarding of it, disconnected from divine purpose.
There are those who, despite having little, give generously to the Gospel, prioritizing the work of God above personal gain. The Bible highlights such selflessness (Luke 21:1-4). Some, on the other hand, like the rich man in the parable, invest only in the transient things of this life. They accumulate wealth for themselves, expanding their accounts and resources, while remaining indifferent to God’s work. They’re not rich toward God.
Ask yourself this critical question: Am I rich toward God? Are your resources aligned with His purpose, or are they merely for your personal comfort and security? To be rich toward God is to prioritize His Kingdom, giving generously and joyfully to support the Gospel and its impact on lives around the world. Jesus said, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness…” (Matthew 6:33).
The Apostle Paul admonished, “Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life” (1 Timothy 6:17-19). Let your resources and efforts reflect a life rich toward God!
PRAYER: Dear Father, thank you for the wisdom and insight of your Word. I align my resources with your purpose in the Kingdom. I live with the consciousness of eternity, giving generously and joyfully to the Gospel and making a lasting impact in my world, for your glory, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
FURTHER STUDY:
Matthew 6:19-21; 1 Timothy 6:17-19 NIV; Luke 12:16-21
1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Galatians 4:21-5:1-15 & Isaiah 3-5
2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 23:44-56 & 2 Samuel 13-14