BEWARE OF COVETOUSNESS, Part IV

"Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses" (Luke 12:15, NKJV).

In the parable of the rich man, "This man has lived and planned for self. He sees that the future is abundantly provided for; there is nothing for him now but to treasure and enjoy the fruits of his labors. He regards himself as favored above other men, and takes credit to himself for his wise management. He is honored by his fellow townsmen as a man of good judgment and a prosperous citizen. "For men will praise you, when you do well to yourself" (Psalms 49:18).

"But 'the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God' (1 Corinthians 3:19). While the rich man is looking forward to years of enjoyment, the Lord is making far different plans. The message comes to this unfaithful steward, 'Fool! This night your soul will be required of you' (Luke 12:20). Here is a demand that money cannot supply. The wealth he has treasured can purchase no reprieve. In one moment that which he has toiled through his whole life to secure becomes worthless to him. 'Then whose will those things be which you have provided?' His broad fields and well-filled granaries pass from under his control. 'He heaps up riches, and does not know who will gather them' (Psalms 39:6).

"The only thing that would be of value to him now he has not secured. In living for self he has rejected that divine love which would have flowed out in mercy to his fellow men. Thus he has rejected life. For God is love, and love is life. This man has chosen the earthly rather than the spiritual, and with the earthly he must pass away. 'A man who is in honor, yet does not understand, is like the beasts that perish' (Psalms 49:20)...

"To live for self is to perish. Covetousness, the desire of benefit for self's sake, cuts the soul off from life. It is the spirit of Satan to get, to draw to self. It is the spirit of Christ to give, to sacrifice self for the good of others. 'And this is the testimony: that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has life, he who does not have the Son of God does not have life' (1 John 5:11, 12).

Wherefore He says, 'Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses'(Luke 12:15).--Christ's Object Lessons, pp., 258, 259.