Here are the words of Jesus that really challenge my selfishness
Here are the words of Jesus that
really challenge my selfishness
(and yours too, I guess). READ ALL BELOW! Let us seek the real treasure, God's treasure. And to share
our abundance with those in need. "He then told them a parable:
“The land of a certain rich man
produced an abundant crop,
so he thought to himself, ‘What should I do, for I have
nowhere to store my crops?’ Then he said, ‘I will do this: I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones,
and there I will store all my grain and my goods. And I will say to myself, “You have plenty of goods stored up for many years; relax, eat, drink, celebrate!”’
But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be demanded back from you,
but who will get what you have prepared for yourself?’ So it is with the one who stores up riches for himself, but is not rich toward God.” Then Jesus said to his disciples,
“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat, or about your body, what you will wear. For there is more to life than food, and more to the body than clothing.
Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn, yet God feeds them. How much more valuable are you than the birds! And which of you by worrying can add an hour to his life? So if you cannot do such a very little thing as this, why do you worry about the rest? Consider how the flowers grow; they do not work or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his glory was clothed like one of these! And if this is how God clothes the wild grass, which is here today and tomorrow is tossed into the fire to heat the oven, how much more will he clothe you, you people of little faith! So do not be overly concerned about what you will eat and what you will drink, and do not worry about such things. For all the nations of the world pursue these things, and your Father knows that you need them. Instead, pursue his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well. “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father is well pleased to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide yourselves purses that do not wear out —a treasure in heaven that never decreases, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Luke 12:16-34 (New English Translation) These are true words of the Lord, but we are strong enough to follow the Lord? I must say that after Jesus was taken up to heaven, the Bible says that we should have one of everything we need. But only one! There is of course room for discussion here, but honestly, is it our selfishness or our love for our brothers and sisters in Christ who are hungry, sick and suffering because they do not have the money to support themselves and their family, who argue against these words in the Bible? But this I say: He who has wealth, but does not help a brother or sister in need, sins against man and God, and have not the love of God in him! How can we turn our backs on someone in "our family" who are suffering without helping them? And at the same time say we follow the Lord's word and will? If we spend our time to gather treasures here on earth, we are on the wrong course, unless we gather wealth to serve God's children who suffer. We should share our wealth with those who suffer! Wealth is a tool from God, to do good deeds for other people. For where our treasure is, our hearts will be. It is time for reflection. P.S. Just to explain my words: I judge no one in this and I am not better than any other human being, I also struggle with this. But I put pressure on myself now, how can I look someone in the eye and justify myself to people and God if I don't go ahead as an example in this and live as I speak? Therefore I ask God, in the name of Jesus Christ, to teach me to be better in this, so I'm doing the Lord's will and not my own selfish will. Thank you God for the blood of Jesus Christ that has saved me from destruction, despite my selfish nature. Amen. Luke 12:16-34 is all about seeking the wealth God will give us, a richness that is not this world's silver and gold. The true wealth comes from God. But Luke 12:16-34 also speaks of serving others with this world's wealth, as some of us have a lot of. That's why this time I focus mostly on sharing with the needy, even if Luke 12:16-34 mainly revolves around trust in the Lord and to gather spiritual wealth and fellowship with God.