Rich Toward God

Our world constantly encourages us to accumulate more wealth, status, and security. But Jesus tells a different story. In Luke 12, He warns against the danger of placing our trust in possessions and missing what matters. This parable invites us to evaluate the condition of our hearts, not our portfolios. In God’s economy, being rich is not about what we store up for ourselves but how we invest in what matters to Him. Jesus calls us to be rich toward God, living lives marked by generosity, gratitude, and eternal perspective.

Luke 12:15 – “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.'”

Being rich toward God means pursuing eternal value over earthly gain.

Jesus shares the story of a rich man who enjoyed a harvest so plentiful that he decided to build bigger barns and store it all. His plan was to relax, eat, drink, and enjoy life. But God calls him a fool, not because he was wealthy, but because he focused only on himself. He had forgotten the eternal. He had made no room for God.

Big Idea 1: The Illusion of Earthly Security

The rich man believed that storing more would give him peace and security. His barns were full, his future seemed comfortable, and his plans were all about himself. But his life ended that very night. All the wealth he had accumulated was suddenly meaningless. He had prepared for everything except eternity.

This story serves as a powerful reminder that possessions cannot protect us from life’s uncertainties. They cannot shield us from death, disease, or disappointment. They cannot secure our future or define our worth. Wealth can provide comfort, but it cannot offer true peace. It may give us the illusion of control, but it cannot deliver lasting hope.

God’s economy flips this idea on its head. In His kingdom, real security comes not from how much we have but from whom we trust. When we place our trust in God, we are freed from the fear of losing what we have. Our identity is no longer wrapped up in possessions but rooted in the unshakable truth that we belong to Him. When we live rich toward God, we stop measuring our lives by the abundance of things and start measuring them by the depth of our trust.

Big Idea 2: The Call to Eternal Investment

Jesus warns that life does not consist in the abundance of possessions. These words are a direct challenge to the culture in which we live, where success is often measured by how much we accumulate. But Jesus invites us to a radically different way of living, one that looks beyond temporary gain to eternal significance.

Being rich toward God requires a shift in mindset. It calls us to invest in what truly matters: people, purpose, and the advancement of God’s kingdom. When we pour into relationships, disciple others, share our resources, and serve those in need, we are laying up treasure in heaven. Every act of generosity, every moment of obedience, and every step of faith becomes a lasting investment in eternity.

In God’s economy, these eternal investments do not depreciate or fade. They echo into eternity and carry significance far beyond what we can measure on earth. To be rich toward God is to choose impact over image, faithfulness over fame, and lasting purpose over fleeting pleasures. This is how we live a life that matters, not just now but forever.

Big Idea 3: A Heart That Reflects Heaven

Our spending, saving, and giving are like mirrors that reflect what truly matters to us. They expose the priorities that often go unspoken but guide our everyday choices. If we are honest, we often hold on tightly to what we think we own because it provides a false sense of control or security. We tend to measure success by our bank balance rather than our obedience to God’s voice.

But when we remember that everything we have ultimately belongs to God, something shifts within us. We begin to hold things more loosely and become more willing to use our resources for purposes that align with His heart. Being rich toward God transforms the way we see money, time, and influence. These are not trophies to be displayed, but tools to be stewarded with care and compassion.

God’s economy does not prioritize accumulation but transformation. Being rich toward God means our hearts beat for what matters most to Him: compassion for the hurting, justice for the oppressed, generosity that reflects His grace, and love that puts others first. A heart that reflects heaven is one that trusts fully, gives freely, and lives joyfully for things that will last forever.

Conclusion

The goal of life is not to build bigger barns but to build deeper trust in the One who owns it all. When we live rich toward God, we discover a life of freedom, joy, and lasting impact. God’s economy invites us to release our grip on temporary things and embrace the eternal riches found in Christ.

Action Step

Reflect on where your time, money, and energy are currently invested. Do they reflect kingdom priorities? Ask God to help you make one shift this week toward being rich toward Him, whether it is through generosity, serving, or realigning your focus.

“He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.” – Jim Elliot

What does it mean to you to be rich toward God? Share your thoughts or a recent example in the comments. Don’t forget to subscribe to the blog for more devotionals and encouragement in your spiritual journey. If this message spoke to you, share it with someone who might need a shift in perspective today.

Prayer

Father, thank you for reminding me that life is not found in possessions, but in your presence. Teach me to be rich toward You. Help me to release anything I am clinging to and embrace the life of generosity, obedience, and eternal impact that You desire for me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

It begins with Christ!

If you don’t know Christ as your savior, it begins with the first step. Believe in Him and make Him Lord of your life! Committing your life to serve Him is the most significant decision! For more information on serving the Lord, CLICK HERE!

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Blessings,

Chad 

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