Rich Toward God

In Ephesus, Demetrius told the craftsmen, “we have our prosperity by this trade” (Acts 19:25). When Paul’s preaching put their money in danger, they became angry. Jesus once warned about this kind of heart.

A request. “Then one from the crowd said to Him, ‘Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me’” (Luke 12:13). He wanted his share of what their father had left.

Jesus’ answer. “But He said to him, ‘Man, who made Me a judge or an arbitrator over you?’” (12:14). An arbitrator is someone who settles an argument. Jesus saw a deeper problem than the money.

The warning. “And He said to them, ‘Take heed and beware of covetousness’” (12:15). Take heed and beware mean watch out and be careful.

Covetousness. To covet means to keep wanting more and more, or to want things so much that they take God’s place in your heart.

What life is not. Jesus said that a person’s life is not made up of the things he owns (12:15). Having more things does not make a life good.

For everyone. Jesus said it “to them,” to everyone listening. Covetousness can trap rich and poor, grown-ups and children.

Owning is not the problem. Jesus did not say that owning things is wrong. Work and good gifts come from God. The danger comes when wanting things takes God’s place.

It can start small. Covetousness can begin with wanting a friend’s toy or wishing you had more than your brother. Jesus wants to guard your heart before it grows.

Demetrius’s choice. Demetrius heard that gods made with hands are not gods (Acts 19:26). He could have believed the truth. Instead he worried about his money and stirred up a crowd.

Paul’s example. Later, Paul reminded the leaders of the church in Ephesus, “I have coveted no one’s silver or gold or apparel” (Acts 20:33). He did not tell about Jesus to get money.

A better treasure. The believers in Ephesus burned magic books worth “fifty thousand pieces of silver” (Acts 19:19). Jesus mattered more to them than money.

The answer for greedy hearts. We have all wanted things more than God, and that is sin. Jesus gave His life on the cross for us and rose again. When we trust Him, He forgives us and becomes our greatest treasure.

What to do. This week, when you want something badly, stop and thank God for what you already have. Ask Him to make Jesus the One you want most.

Right after Jesus warned about covetousness, He told a story to show what it looks like.

A big crop. “The ground of a certain rich man yielded plentifully” (Luke 12:16). His fields grew a very large crop.

No room. “And he thought within himself, saying, ‘What shall I do, since I have no room to store my crops?’” (12:17). He talked only to himself. He did not ask God.

Bigger barns. He said, “I will pull down my barns and build greater, and there I will store all my crops and my goods” (12:18). He planned to keep it all for himself.

Take your ease. He told himself, “Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years; take your ease; eat, drink, and be merry” (12:19). He thought his things would keep him safe for years.

God’s word to him. “But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul will be required of you’” (12:20). That night his life on earth would end. He could not take one grain with him.

Whose will they be? God asked, “then whose will those things be which you have provided?” (12:20). Everything he stored would belong to someone else.

Plans without God. The rich man made big plans, but he never asked what God wanted. Making plans is good when we make them with God.

What lasts. Barns fall down and crops spoil. But the gift God gives to those who trust Jesus lasts forever.

Rich toward God. Jesus said, “So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God” (12:21). To be rich toward God means to treasure God most and to use what He gives for Him and for others.

What it looks like. Being rich toward God can look like sharing your snack, giving to help someone in need, or using your time to help at home.

Where your heart is. Later Jesus said, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (12:34).

The richest gift. We cannot make ourselves rich toward God, because we have sinned. But Jesus died on the cross for our sins and rose again. When we trust Him, we receive “eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23).

What to do. Think of one thing God has given you, like your time, your toys or something you are good at. Thank Him for it, and use it this week to help someone.