More Stuff!
DEVOTIONS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS
More Stuff!
According to recent stats, Amazon processes over 1.6 million packages every 24 hours. That’s over 18 orders per second! I’m not sure how that’s even possible, but it does say a lot about our urge to constantly buy more stuff. I mean, how often do we order from Amazon without even thinking about it?
While it’s not inherently “wrong” to get new things, the Bible teaches a balanced, purposeful approach to possessions. Shopping habits and personal financial decisions can be sensitive topics, but they’re important in God’s eyes. In Luke 12:16-21, Jesus told a parable that offers some insight into how Christians should view not just their spending, but their wealth, investments, and savings.
In the parable, a rich farmer harvested more crops than his barns could handle. Praising himself on his own success, he decided he needed to build bigger barns for all his surplus. This solution sounds very “American,” doesn’t it? He had too much stuff, so his answer was... I need more space so I can have more stuff! He was a perfect candidate for an episode of “First-Century Hoarders.”
You might argue that the farmer was being smart in protecting his investments and planning ahead. And yes, several Proverbs in the Bible do commend careful planning for the future. However, in this case, Jesus labeled this man a “fool” (v. 20). Why? Because he coveted earthly wealth without having a rich relationship with God (v 21).
So how can we avoid the mistakes of the farmer and approach our spending and finances differently? Let’s consider a few examples.
1. We can thank God for what we have.
As the story goes, the rich farmer never thanked God for the prolific harvest. He failed to acknowledge that everything he possessed—his health, strength, mental capacity, and material wealth—was a gift from the Lord. 1 Corinthians 4:7 says, "What do you have that God hasn’t given you? And if everything you have is from God, why boast as though it were not a gift?”
Today, there’s often a feeling that we have the right to maintain a certain lifestyle. We may even think we deserve a certain level of prosperity, but the Bible doesn’t support entitlement. Instead, our prayer should echo David’s: “Wealth and honor come from you alone, for you rule over everything. Power and might are in your hand, and at your discretion people are made great and given strength. O our God, we thank you and praise your glorious name!” 1 Chronicles 29:12-13.
2. We can share and ask God for guidance with our money.
Instead of seeking God's will for the best use of the abundant harvest, the farmer focused on what he could fund for himself: new buildings and a lavish lifestyle.
Notice the emphasis on "I" and "my" in verses 17-19: “What should I do? I don’t have room for all my crops… I’ll tear down my barns and build bigger ones. Then I’ll have room enough to store all my wheat and other goods. And I’ll sit back and say to myself, “My friend, you have enough stored away for years to come…””
What a contrast we see in 2 Corinthians 9:10-11 that says when God blesses us with abundance, it’s meant to be shared! "For God is the one who provides… he will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you… And when we take your gifts to those who need them, they will thank God.”
Imagine the impact if we approached our finances with a heart set on glorifying God and blessing others! This wisdom is not limited to the Bible. Even secular psychologists tell us that the more we give and share, the happier we are.
3. We can look to God for security.
The farmer staked his entire future on his possessions. His material wealth would surely guarantee happiness and trouble-free years, right? We can all relate to this mindset in some way. However, as Christians, we know better than to place our hope in wealth. Our hope and trust should be in God (1 Timothy 6:17).
Do we get anxious or upset when the stock market falls? Are we fixated on our accounts and financial status? Jesus said that we should seek first the kingdom of God, promising that God will provide for all our needs (Matthew 6:33).
Trusting in the Lord doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t plan ahead. 2 Corinthians 12:14 implies that we should consider the security of the next generation. But the dividing line between foolishness and wise planning is perspective. Are we making our own decisions and following our own desires? Or are we seeking God’s direction and wisdom (see James 4:13-15)? Have we firmly established this perspective in our hearts and lives?
Sadly, the farmer in the parable didn’t follow these three principles, and verse 21 calls him a “fool” for prioritizing earthly possessions over a strong relationship with God. Verse 21 will never be a marketing slogan for Amazon. But as we navigate a world that tempts us with endless acquisitions, let’s keep in mind that true wealth is measured by the richness of our relationship with God.
Proverbs 3:9 – “Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the best part of everything you produce.”
- Ron Reid