Don’t you love being taught by Jesus every day? The wisdom he shares isn’t just for those people who lived two thousand years ago. It’s timeless. The issues that plagued the world then still exist today. Why? Because evil remains in the world. The final battle has yet to be fought.
We are in the trenches every day. We are surrounded by the enemy. We are lured into wanting this new gadget or that new and improved product. We look for top of the line, latest and greatest, out of this world kind of things. Jesus warns us about our greed. Trying not to judge, I see so many with affluence. Jesus clearly said, “Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God.”
Greed is the evil one’s design on our heart to create the yearning for more wealth. Instead, our hunger should be for the word of God, or for the positive things that come only from a relationship with God. It’s easy to fall into the trap, especially when we see things that look appealing. What we see with our eyes, we soon dream of and see ourselves enjoying. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, the evil one is crafty.
All we need to do is look around us. There is beauty all around in nature. Who put that there? Certainly not the evil one. There is so much to take in, to enjoy. Jesus uses the example of lilies in the field. Can’t you just smell them? The fragrance alone would be enough to elicit feelings of joy.
God has put those here for our enjoyment. Flowers are ever blooming here in Mexico, and their color is a sight to behold. I have yet to find ones that are very fragrant though. But the promise of new life and rebirth we see from the flowers can translate into our own lives, too.
Just as God cares for his non-human creation (flowers, trees, grass, etc.), he cares for us even more. We are told not to worry (yet many of us still do). God has our backs, even more so than he has the flowers. Instead, Jesus tells us to, “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need.”
When is the last time you took Jesus up on that offer? He will give us everything we need. Needs are not always wants, but our wants are often fueled by greed.
How are you staying connected? Do you realize the gift you are receiving everyday? How does your life respond to God’s mercy and grace? Think on these questions for a while.
We are truly God’s masterpieces. You are a masterpiece. I often thank God for the truth in Ephesians 2:10, “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.”
Jesus’ final words in today’s reading, “Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.” What do you treasure? How do you spend your time? What do you spend your money on? We develop spending habits and patterns. Make sure yours are honoring God’s plan for you and not just stockpiling a barn full of stuff.
Let’s pray. Lord, you are so good. As I look around my house, I’m amazed all the stuff we moved here. I know how many carloads and truck loads were donated, too! I look around at the poverty here in Mexico and my heart breaks for my, own greed. Please forgive me. May I not let the evil one play with my mind and heart making me believe more is better. More is only good if you, God, are still number one in spite of it. Lord help me to help others with this struggle. It’s real and it’s not easy to overcome. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
