Instruct the wise, and they will be even wiser
We plan. We strategize. We dream of what tomorrow will hold. But what if the foundation upon which we build our future is shifting sand? What if the key to a truly fulfilling life isn’t found in our own strength, but in surrendering to the will of God? Today, we are reminded of a timeless truth: When God is at the centre of your plans, your future is secure, filled with peace, purpose, and hope beyond measure. The parable of the rich fool, found in Luke 12, illustrates the futility of making future plans without acknowledging God. It serves as a stark reminder of the fleeting nature of earthly possessions and the importance of prioritising what truly matters. So, are you building your future on temporary foundations, or are you anchoring your hopes and dreams in something eternal? This article explores what it truly means to build a future with God at its heart. Be blessed as you read!
Thinking life is all about yourself? Think again. We can try to live for ourselves, but we don’t even know what tomorrow is going to bring. We’re so single-minded and we have one perspective. Do you remember the story from Luke chapter 12 about the wealthy man who had a bountiful harvest? He decided to tear down his barns and build bigger ones so he could enjoy his wealth. But what did God say to him? He called him a fool. Why? Because the man was only considering his own perspective. He made plans based on his current circumstances rather than on his relationship with God. God warned him, “You fool, tonight your soul will be required of you.” This illustrates that we never truly know how things will turn out. However, when we trust in the Lord and seek to understand His plan for our lives, that’s when we can find true satisfaction.
We often buy new things for ourselves and our children before we invest in the kingdom of God. Is it wrong to have a nice new car and other possessions? No, but it all depends on your priorities. What should come first? “10 Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need” (Malachi 3:10 ESV). Most of us put God to the test alright, but not in this one way we are told to. Why? The answer is simple, and we all know it. Because we don’t trust Him with our money. Some of us trust Him with our immortal souls but not our money. Why? Again, the answer is simple and obvious. We treasure our money and comfort in this life more than our souls. Are you submitted to God? Are you ready to conform your life to the Word of God? If so, let’s read the passage about the parable of the rich fool in Luke 12:13–21.
The Parable of the Rich Fool.
13 Then one from the crowd said to Him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.” 14 But He said to him, “Man, who made Me a judge or an arbitrator over you?” 15 And He said to them, “Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.” 16 Then He spoke a parable to them, saying: “The ground of a certain rich man yielded plentifully. 17 And he thought within himself, saying, ‘What shall I do, since I have no room to store my crops?’ 18 So he said, ‘I will do this: I will pull down my barns and build greater, and there I will store all my crops and my goods. 19 And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years; take your ease; eat, drink, and be merry.” 20 But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be which you have provided?’ 21 “So is he who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God.”
Jesus was teaching deep and great things when someone in the crowd called out, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.” Jesus didn’t seem to welcome the question. Instead, He responded, “Man, who made me a judge or arbitrator over you?” Jesus was not one to waste a teaching opportunity. He then addressed the crowd, saying, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” What is covetousness? It is greediness. Don’t be greedy! Let’s examine the final part of verse 15: “For one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” What is your life about? Is it about your stuff, your family, your business, your ego? Or is your life about your identity in Christ and about the mission that He gave you? If you are a believer in Christ Jesus, your life is NOT about your stuff.
" Remember God is the source of your possessions. "
The world often claims, “Whoever dies with the most wealth, wins.” However, that perspective is fundamentally flawed. You cannot take your wealth with you when you pass away. So, what can you take? The souls of men and women you lead to the Lord. You can store up treasures in heaven. How do you do this? Rewards come through obedience. Consider investing your money in the kingdom; while you can’t bring your money with you, you can send it ahead. Put God at the centre of your future. Let’s get into the parable. 16 And he told them a parable, saying, “The land of a rich man produced plentifully. Who made that man’s land produce plentifully? God. Who gave you the things you treasure? Who gave you the job you have? Who gave you the mind and body you use to make money? Who gave you strength to acquire wealth? God did all of that. You may say to yourself, “My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me.” But remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your ancestors, as it is today (Deuteronomy 8:17-18 NIV)
God generously provided for this rich man, giving him abundantly. We have to realise the reason we have what we have is because God provided us the ability to make money. Don’t get all proud and forget the source of your blessings. God resists the proud. “21 On an appointed day Herod put on his royal robes, took his seat upon the throne, and delivered an oration to them. 22 And the people were shouting, “The voice of a god, and not of a man!” 23 Immediately an angel of the Lord struck him down, because he did not give God the glory, and he was eaten by worms and breathed his last” (Acts 12:21–23 ESV). It’s great to work hard and save wisely, but remember God is the source of your possessions. Considering that God is the source of your wealth, how will you use the wealth He has entrusted to you? Don’t be like the rich fool.
17 And he thought to himself, ‘What shall I do, for I have nowhere to store my crops?’ What could have been the answer to this guy’s question? He could have given it to God. The church requires funding to operate effectively. The more financial resources it has, the greater the impact it can make. Churches need money for various purposes, including ministry, expansion, and planting new congregations. This rich man had the opportunity to contribute his wealth to God, using it wisely rather than squandering it. What else could this man have done with the wealth God entrusted to him? He could have given it to the needy. There are people all around you with genuine needs. Also, there are people in other countries who truly are in poverty to the point they don’t have food and clean water. You can give to good charities that will use your money wisely to alleviate suffering. But this man forgot about God and his fellow man and only thought of himself.
18 And he said, ‘I will do this: I will tear down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. 19 And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry”. Here is the issue: We all share some qualities with this man. While we have what we need now, we often worry about the future. It’s wise to save any surplus for potential needs later on, and there’s nothing wrong with that. However, it becomes problematic when we save what we should be giving to God. There is an issue when we prioritize our own needs or our families over what belongs to God. If you are truly paying attention, you might find this perspective unusual, as it differs significantly from the views of mainstream society. Nevertheless, it is the truth.
People come up with surprising ways to rob God and feel justified. “I don’t like everything about how the church uses my money, so I’ll withhold my tithe.” “I have too many expenses right now and I can’t possibly give a tenth or more to God.” “I have a lot of debt, and I should get out of debt and then tithe.” The rich man in the parable forgot about God. He forgot about his fellow man. He forgot about his own future and things of eternal value. 20 But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?’ If you believe this life is all there is, then focus on enjoying it – eat, drink, relax, and be merry. However, if you understand that God and eternity are real, then live your life with that awareness. Put God at the centre of your future.
