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Luke 12:21 - Fix For The Greedy Heart!

Luke 12:21 - Fix For The Greedy Heart!

Luke 12:21 (NLT) "Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly 
wealth but not have a rich relationship with God." 

Luke 12: 21 (AMP) So it is with the one who continues to lay up 
and hoard possessions for himself and is not rich [in his relation] 
to God [this is how he fares].  

Luke 12:21 (TLB) "Yes, every man is a fool who gets rich on 
earth but not in heaven."  

This is the concluding verse of the parable of the rich person 
who left God out of their life (Luke 12:13-21). 

The Greedy Heart (13-21). Imagine being so greedy that you would 
interrupt a sermon to ask for help to get more money! The weeds were 
certainly growing in that man's heart (Matt. 13:22). We all need a certain 
amount of money to live, but money is not a guarantee of security. If 
anything, it creates a false confidence that leads to foolishness. 
[Chapter by Chapter Bible Commentary by Warren Wiersbe] 

True satisfaction in life flows out of fulfilling the purpose 
for which we were created, to enjoy an intimate relationship with 
God. As a substitute for God, acquiring material excess only makes 
the heart feel more hollow (see Eccl. 6:2). [Life Principles SB By 
Charles Stanley re Luke 12:15] 

Jesus spoke at length about covetousness in the Sermon on the 
Mount (Mat.6:19-24).  He also gave the parable in Luk.12:16-21 to warn 
against it.  It is included in His catalogue of the sins of the human 
heart, along with such open sins as murder, adultery, fornication, and 
theft (Mar.7:32). Covetousness is mentioned as one of the leading sins 
of the last days before the judgment (2Ti.3:2).  These verses here 
in Luke define covetousness as laying up treasure for oneself - 
greed.  The remedy?  To be rich toward God.  If we seek above all the 
kingdom of God, then He will provide all that we need.  [Daily 
Devotional Bible; Apr. 14, 89] 

  Every day you face decisions that express what you really 
believe about God - you're constantly making choices that demonstrate 
what you truly depend upon for your security. Of course, for most 
people, nothing represents a breach in security or inspires fear as 
quickly as concerns over money. Of all of Satan's schemes, his deception 
concerning wealth has become one of the most successful in turning people's 
hearts away from God. First Timothy 6:10 reminds us, "The love of money 
is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from 
the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with 
many sorrows." 
  Satan will frequently use the perceived need for material 
security against you - motivating you through fear of the future to 
choose against trusting God. This can happen in a hundred different 
ways, but it generally involves clear-cut albeit difficult choices 
that will either honor God or temporarily calm your fears. On one 
side is God's way - the path He has directed you to through His Word 
and Spirit. On the other side is the "common sense" choice - the 
option that appeals to earthly wisdom. 
  For the man in the crowd, the issue was his inheritance. In 
Luke 12:13 he said, "Teacher, tell my brother to divide the 
inheritance with me." Although the man may have had a right to the 
inheritance, Jesus saw right away that it was a stumbling block to him - it 
was blinding him to the truly important issues. Not only was the man 
willing to divide his family over his claim, but his desire for his 
portion of the inheritance was impeding him from receiving the salvation 
Jesus was preaching. Jesus was there to offer him eternal life, and 
all he could think about was the money owed to him. 
  That is why Jesus responded, "Beware of covetousness, for 
one's life does not consist in the abundance of the things he 
possesses" (Luke 12:15). Though here on earth it may seem like money moves 
the world, it doesn't. God does. Your wealth - or lack thereof - has 
nothing to do with your security. It is only a mirage of a world that is 
fading away (see James 1:11; 1 Pet. 1:24). Only God keeps you truly 
safe. He is the one who feeds you and clothes you (see Luke 12:22-29). 
He is the One who protects your life and will one day require it of 
you (see Luke 12:20). 
  Remember that whenever you are confronted with a dilemma about 
monetary issues, do what honors God. And always remember Jesus' words of 
encouragement: "Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father's good 
pleasure to give you the kingdom. Sell what you have and give alms; 
provide yourselves money bags which do not grow old, a treasure in the 
heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches nor moth destroys. 
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also" (Luke 
12:32-34). 
  You are worth a lot more than the assets in your portfolio, 
and your Father knows your needs even before you ask Him. Therefore, 
do not fear. Honor God and trust Him to be your security in every 
situation. Because when He is your treasure - you truly have everything you 
need and much, much more. [Life Principles SB By Charles Stanley re 
Luke 12:13-34] 

The fix or solution for this problem of covetousness or greed is 
found more fully discussed by Christ in the passage that follows in 
Luke 12:22-34. 

Grace Notes:
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A Better Way to Live:
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