Luke 12:15

THE INWARD LIFE OF A STEWARD
Viewing and Handling Possessions

Beware, and be on your guard against every form of greed; for not even when one has an abundance does his life consist of his possessions.

Part 1

Jesus said in Luke 12:15, Beware, and be on your guard against every form of greed; for not even when one has an abundance does his life consist of his possessions (NASB1995). Jesus is telling us that greed is a common characteristic of those who rate the quality of their lives by how much they accumulate. They believe the more they accumulate, the higher the quality of their lives. Giving, they believe, will not increase the quality of their lives, it would only reduce it and so they greedily cling to their possessions believing by keeping them they will enjoy the best life. What folly. Jesus nails the rich farmer just a few verses later when He calls him a “fool.” And then concludes, So is the man who stores up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God (v.21). Think about it.

Part 2

Jesus warns us in Luke 12:15, Beware, and be on your guard against every form of greed; for not even when one has an abundance does his life consist of his possessions (NASB1995). Man’s deepest need in life can only be met in healthy relationships. Sadly, the more time a person focuses on growing his possessions, the less time he has to focus on growing his personal relationships. As a man’s material standard of living increases with more quality stuff, his relational standard of living decreases with fewer quality relationships. Hence the well-known saying, “It’s lonely at the top.” Don’t be deceived, the quality of your life will never be found in an abundance of possessions. It will only be found in an abundance of close, personal relationships with people you love. Think about it