Luke 12:15b

"... one's life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses."

My father-in-law used to sing a silly little tune to Victoria and me during one of his frequent lighter moods, and the lyrics went something like, "I want what I want when I want it, and I only want it now". As whimsical as those words are, the truth of them is piercing and penetrating. The brother Jesus is speaking to in this gospel drama basically wanted his inheritance now, and probably wanted more than what was rightfully due him by law. Who knows for sure?  But before Jesus utters His profound words about possessions, He sets the record straight about His role on earth. He did not come to sit as judge over matters such as this; this is why God places men and women on earth and in places of judgment or as arbiters. Nor did Jesus come to judge the world (at least not yet), but to save the world. (cf. John 12:47)  His judgment will come soon enough, although certainly much too soon for those without Him.

No, Jesus is not at all concerned about whether this man gets his fair share of the inheritance. Jesus is always much more concerned about matters of the heart. Who cares whether he got it all or none of it at all?  This brother, this man was covetous, and that's the real reason why He came to Jesus, although he didn't see it at the time. And Jesus did him a huge favor; He pointed him to his real need, which wasn't money at all. And when Jesus says to "beware" of something, my antennae go straight up. Covetousness is a poison so deadly it can plummet one right into the depths of Sheol, hell itself. Look at the rich, young ruler. (cf. Matthew 19:16) This is terrifying, and the desire to accumulate wealth should be a bellwether ringing so loud that it hurts my ears.

Life consists not of possessions. The affluence of this country and culture I live in permeates with the odious stench of grab, grab, grab. I'm becoming more and more attuned than ever before to its dangerous plight. I don't want to abhor or condemn things just for their sake, for they too can be from God. It's my covetous heart that is steered toward them that I abhor and condemn... in myself! 

Jesus later speaks in Luke 12 of treasures in heaven where they cannot be eaten, destroyed or killed. In fact, He says they're placed in a vault so secure it makes Fort Knox look like a hardened criminal's joke to break in to; it's elementary and for beginners. My heart must beat for One. I have a lot of things (possessions), but they cannot and should not define my life. They should not define any Christian's life. My prayer is that the things I "have", given by God, would be used for heavenly purposes and divine treasures. That's why I want to give more away, open "my" home more, and let others use "my" things freely. I know my heart; it's naturally covetous, so I must force myself into these places of discomfort.