Message Minute (The Wealthy Farmer's Mistake)

Luke 12:20-21 - "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."

Jesus told a story about a successful farmer whose crops were so abundant he didn't have enough space to store them. The farmer decided to build bigger barns so he could hoard everything and retire comfortably. But that very night, he died unexpectedly.

The farmer wasn't condemned for being successful or planning ahead - those aren't bad things. His mistake was thinking only about himself. He saw his good fortune as something to clutch tightly rather than share generously. He accumulated wealth but neglected his relationship with God and ignored the needs of others around him.

Jesus contrasts being "rich in things" with being "rich toward God." Someone who is rich toward God recognizes that everything they have is ultimately a gift to be stewarded wisely. They invest not just in their own comfort, but in what has eternal value - loving others, serving their community, and growing spiritually.

The story reminds us that life is fragile and uncertain. What matters isn't how much someone accumulates, but how generously they live.

Reflection: In what ways can you become more "rich toward God" this week?

Prayer: Lord, help me hold my possessions loosely and my faith tightly. Show me opportunities to be generous with what you've given me. Amen.