By Jeffery M. Leonard, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Biblical & Religious Studies, Samford University
WHEN YOUR FINANCES FALL SHORT
Luke 12:13–21; 21:1–4
Few topics in Scripture are as difficult to pin down as the relationship believers ought to have with their bank accounts. On one hand, the Bible has a great many positive things to say about money — or its equivalent in land, animals and produce.
Deuteronomy describes the abundance of grain, wine, oil and animals Israel produces as a sign of God’s blessing (14:23–24; 28:1–14). Proverbs celebrates thrift and industry, noting that “diligent hands bring riches” (10:4), “the son who gathers during summer is prudent” (10:5), “a good man leaves an inheritance to his grandchildren” (13:22) and so on.
On the other hand, the Scriptures are also quick to warn that money can be the source of tremendous temptation. The same book of Proverbs that offers positive words concerning wealth also warns, “Anyone trusting in his riches will fall” (11:28). Money, it seems, can be a blessing, but it is a blessing that comes with certain inherent dangers.
Financial prosperity has no bearing on what truly matters. (12:13–15)
Jesus often addressed the topic of possessions, and no one was more keen on preserving Jesus’ teaching in this area than Luke. Luke notes that on one occasion, a man approached Jesus and asked Him to intervene in a dispute the man was having with his brother over his inheritance.
Jesus sidestepped the question of which brother might be right in this circumstance and instead made a larger point. “Watch out,” He urged, “and be on guard against all greed, for one’s life is not in the abundance of his possessions” (v. 15).
It may be that this brotherly dispute over the inheritance was creating dissension in the heirs’ family.
We just don’t have enough information to say for sure. Certainly, most of us know of situations in which these kinds of fights over money have caused families irreparable harm. Almost always, the source of the conflict lies in caring more about possessions than people.
True riches come from God as we store up treasures with Him. (16–21)
Jesus went on to tell the parable of the rich man and his bigger barns. In this parable, a rich man had prospered so greatly that he knew without a shadow of a doubt that years of eating, drinking and merrymaking were ahead. But he had left out of his calculations one important item: his own untimely death.
When God came to collect his soul, all the man’s great wealth was left behind. In the end, a lifetime spent in pursuit of possessions came to nothing. Jesus concludes, “That’s how it is with the one who stores up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God” (v. 21).
God is honored when we trust Him in our giving. (21:1–4)
In Luke’s Gospel, those who are commended when it comes to possessions are those who tend to give those possessions away. When the rich tax collector Zacchaeus promises to restore his ill-gotten gains and give half his wealth to the poor, Jesus declares, “Today, salvation has come to this house.”
Even more touching is His praise for the poor widow who put two copper coins into the offering box. Though her gift paled in comparison to those made by wealthy individuals, Jesus insisted, “This poor widow has put in more than all of them” (v. 3). Why? Because unlike the rich, she gave all that she had.
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