The Bible has much to say about life. As I think about what has been said in these past five articles, I am reminded of what has not yet been said. For example, James, in response to some who were saying, tomorrow “…we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit,” said “…you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away” (James 4:13, 14). We are all on a time line. There is birth, the beginning of the time line. Somewhere on that time line is death. Many plans have been made for tomorrow which never came to fruition. Today is what is important. It is what we do with life today. Someone once said, “Tomorrow is a promissory note. Yesterday is a cancelled check. Today is all you have.” Listen to what Jesus said, “Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses” (Luke 12:15). Materialism, consumerism are major players in our society. It is almost like “He/she who has the most stuff wins.”
Most all of us have stuff and we are looking at getting more stuff. Jesus spoke a parable which illustrates his statement about life. It is found in Like 12:16-21. It is about the rich farmer who was blessed with abundant crops. So much so the farmer said he would tear down his barns and build larger ones to store all of his crops and goods. And he boasted about all that. “But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be which you have provided? So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God’” (Luke 12:20, 21).
Think with me for a moment. What did this farmer forget? I suggest he forgot at least these three things:
God. He never once indicated he was thankful. Read the passage again and note the use of personal pronouns. It was all about him and his accomplishments.
Others. He had no concern for any others.
Time. He no doubt thought he had all the time in the world.
Three questions all of us need to ask ourselves: Am I laying up treasure for myself? Am I rich toward God? If I had to face God right this moment, would He call me a fool?
One final reminder, Jesus said: “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble” (Matthew 6:33, 34).
— Les Ferguson Sr., S. Huntington Church of Christ
