Being Made Rich Toward God
Scripture: “So is the one who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God.” (Luke 12.21, ESV)
Main Point: True richness comes not from accumulating possessions for ourselves but from investing our lives in God’s eternal purposes and kingdom values.
Jesus concludes His parable with a stark contrast: being rich in possessions versus being rich toward God. This isn’t necessarily about the amount of money we have, but about the direction of our hearts and the focus of our lives. A person can be materially wealthy and spiritually rich, or materially poor and spiritually bankrupt. The key is not the size of our bank account but the orientation of our soul.
Being rich toward God means recognizing that everything we have comes from Him and belongs ultimately to Him. It means viewing ourselves as stewards rather than owners, managers rather than masters. When we’re rich toward God, our possessions become tools for blessing others rather than fortresses for protecting ourselves.
This richness toward God also involves investing in eternal relationships and kingdom purposes. Instead of pouring all our energy into accumulating things that will eventually decay or be left behind, we invest in people, in spiritual growth, in acts of service and mercy that have eternal significance.
The beautiful paradox of being rich toward God is that it often leads to greater contentment and joy than material wealth alone can provide. When our security rests in God’s unchanging love rather than in our changing circumstances, we experience a peace that transcends material abundance or scarcity. We can be generous because we trust in God’s provision. We can take risks for the kingdom because our ultimate security isn’t threatened by temporary losses.
Application: Evaluate your recent spending and time investments. What percentage goes toward accumulating for yourself versus investing in eternal purposes? Look for one specific way to be more “rich toward God” this week.
Prayer: Father, make me rich toward You rather than merely rich in possessions. Help me see my resources as tools for Your kingdom rather than monuments to my security. Give me the joy that comes from generous living and eternal investing. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Responses