Topic: How Differently Will You Respond [Church of God Mission International] Above Only Daily Devotional 21 July 2021
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Above Only Devotional
Wednesday, July 21
How Differently Will You Respond
Luke 12:16-21 (LB)
Then he gave an illustration: “A rich man had a fertile farm that produced fine crops. In fact, his barns were full to overflowing—he couldn’t get everything in. He thought about his problem, and finally exclaimed, ‘I know—I’ll tear down my barns and build bigger ones! Then I’ll have room enough. And I’ll sit back and say to myself, “Friend, you have enough stored away for years to come. Now take it easy! Wine, women, and song for you!”’ “But God said to him, ‘Fool! Tonight you die. Then who will get it all?’ …
In our text above, Jesus paints a clear picture of an attitude that should be avoided when we reflect on the blessings, increase and abundance that God brings into our lives. If you were in that man’s shoe how differently would you respond to the overflowing abundance coming into your life? The Bible describes the man as a fool because he maintained the wrong perspective and attitude towards life. His priorities and values were wrong. The Bible assures us that the prosperity of fools shall destroy them (Prov.1:32). When people maintain the wrong perspective and attitude towards life, the increase and abundance that God brings into their lives will cause them to become proud and lazy and they will end up destroying themselves.
Before giving the parable in our text above, Jesus implored us to “… take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth” (Luke 12:15). The Good News Bible adds, “…Watch out and guard yourselves from every kind of greed; because a person’s true life is not made up of the things he owns, no matter how rich he may be.” Life is centred around knowing God and doing His will (John 17:3-4). One basic definition of a fool in the Bible is someone who fails to recognize or acknowledge God (Psa.14:1a). As God brings increase and abundance into our lives, we must acknowledge God as our source and appreciate Him for them. We must then ask God for His direction on what to do with the increase and abundance. Resist the urge to be immature and act lavishly simply because you are experiencing abundance. Instead, arise, identify and fulfil purpose with your abundance.
Prayer:
Dear Father, I thank you for the great increase and abundance you are bringing into my life. Help me to use them to fulfil your purpose for my life.
Bible in One Year Reading Plan
2 Chronicles 4:1-6:11, Romans 7:1-13, Psalm 17:1-15, Proverbs 19:22-23
