RE Verse reading–Luke 12:13-21, 16:19-31, James 5:1-6 (day five) “So it is with those who store up treasures for themselves but are not rich toward God” (12:21) Taken together, the parables of Luke 12 and 16 give a sobering list of mistakes possible for people as blessed as we are. Remember that fool translates moros –“a person who reaches inacurrate conclusions re. spiritual or moral truth”. Just a beginning. . .It is foolish to always want more (12:15) It is foolish to miss the blessing of God and the obligation it brings (12:17) It is foolish to think that peace comes from possessions (12:18) It is foolish to be unprepared for eternity (16-whole story) It is foolish to spend wealth for self and not service (16–whole story) Blindness to these issues is, for Christ, a moral category. He believed that we could all see these things clearly if we were willing and that we are, therefore, accountable to God if we fail to. What a foolish move that is!
Very thought-provoking posts the last few days. I was able to talk to my children about idols/the idol of money on our way home from their lessons last night. I am glad I have had the opportunity to benefit from your blogs…. the lessons were fresh in my mind.
I find it interesting that Jesus said, “For judgment I came into this world, so that those who do not see may see, and that those who see may become blind.” (John 9:39). If spiritual blindness is a moral issue (thus can be dealt with by “doing right”, then why did He have to die? (Gal 2)
The way I see this passage is that foolishness comes FROM (actually is) spiritual blindness and will result in the actions listed above. Luke 13 seems to me to sum this up. Just like the religious leaders in His day who did not understand the scriptures though they read them every week (sorry… forgot the reference) we need to repent…change the way we think. We need to come humbly to the One who can open our eyes to see what the scriptures are saying… the One who can/will give us Wisdom and Understanding and deliver us from a life sentence of only loving and serving ourselves. Until this happens, I do not think any moral effort on anyone’s part will ever have any significant effect.
Greed is such a root for the problems in this country that it often takes my breath away when I think of how it has infiltrated almost every aspect of American lives. How does one guard their heart from this? Obviously the above is the only place to start. Then, my experience is that followers will be taught how to Worship. My definition of Worship is to “see”/acknowledge/accept Him for Who He IS (and thus who I am), allowing this Lordship… all that He is and all that He is doing… to reign in my life. I totally agree with your post from yesterday that keeping our thankful hearts/eyes on the Someone who is the only True treasure is the way to keep our eyes off all the lesser stuff.
Father, may you help us to do so more and more.