Luke 12:16-21 “’…The ground of a certain rich man yielded an abundant harvest. He thought to himself, “What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.”’ Then he said, “This is what I’ll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store my surplus grain. And I’ll say to myself, ‘You have plenty of grain laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry.” But God said to him, “You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?” This is how it will be with whoever stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God.’”
Principle: If riches come, share your wealth generously with others. You may not live to enjoy what you have stored up.
It is normal to plow surplus back into your business or investments. It is smart to save for a rainy day or to diversify investments. But wouldn’t it be smart to invest surplus into God’s kingdom work which lasts forever? Most Christians know that it is God’s money in the first place. It makes sharing and giving back to others easier since it belongs to Him.
How many fabulously wealthy people have you heard about who were satisfied or secure with their wealth? I’ve heard it said that if a man has a billion dollars, he wants two.
How many wealthy people have you heard about who lived simple lifestyles? Let’s see. There was J.C Penny, Sam Walton, Warren Buffet and … get out the list of the richest men in the world and count them off. You probably won’t need the fingers on two hands.
Colonel Harlan Sanders sold Kentucky Fried Chicken after he became a believer and then gave generously to God’s works. He maintained the Canadian KFCs as his own. However, instead of increasing his own worth, he wrote a check to each KFC store at the end of the year representing their profit. The store managers gave the money away to a local church or charity. What a terrific way to teach a giving spirit!
What wealthy person do you known who was a big kingdom-of-God investor? It is hard to know for sure since they don’t talk about it, but my guess is that eternity will reveal thousands or tens of thousands who have done so.
Become a kingdom investor no matter how much or little money you have. You’ll inherit eternal riches.
Discussion:
1. Does it seem normal to re-invest in the business as opposed to giving it away?
2. What are the advantages of either?
3. Why was it wrong for the Bible character to “build bugger barns”?
