He who gathers the most wins?

​8-3-22
He who gathers the most wins?
Today's devotion is based on Luke 12:15, "Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions."
We look at the rich man in Jesus' parable and think, 'such greed!' But actually, Jesus is simply describing our normal human aspirations in this modern world: work hard, increase your wealth, achieve a comfortable lifestyle and then retire and enjoy yourself!
Suddenly Jesus' parable strikes a bit too close to home. What we took to be his exposure of those rich people out there has become an indictment of our society's belief in endless acquisition and consumption. And of my personal participation in that belief.
But note what Jesus warns about here. He reminds us how precarious our hard-earned wealth and comfort are. Jesus reminds us that We are much more than our wealth status; our lives are much more than our possessions. If everything I have today is taken away tomorrow, then what is left to me?
How are you answering that question right now? Imagine Jesus standing before you, offering to be your Savior. Hear your Heavenly Father saying, 'Your wealth matters nothing to me. You are my child, claimed by me in your baptism. I have given you all my riches, dear child.' It is an everlasting promise from God.
Father, thank you for all the good things you have given us in our lives, including our wealth and possessions. Please help us to realize that you are the giver and the taker, and our true wealth lies in being your child. Show us how to be 'rich' towards you. In Jesus' blessed name, I pray. Amen