THE PARABLE OF THE RICH FOOL: UNDERSTANDING STEWARDSHIP AND PRIDE
In Luke 12:16-18, Jesus tells a parable of a rich man who credits himself for his wealth, planning to build larger barns for his abundant crops, highlighting his self-reliance and pride.
BIBLICAL WARNINGS AGAINST PRIDE:
- 1 Corinthians 4:7 questions what we have that we did not receive from God, critiquing the notion of boasting about personal achievements.
- 1 Timothy 6:7-8 emphasizes contentment with what we have, reminding us that we brought nothing into the world and can take nothing out.
- 2 Corinthians 10:17-18 instructs us to boast in the Lord, not in ourselves, for true approval comes from God.
THE MISTAKE OF THE RICH MAN:
- Luke 12:19 illustrates the rich man's plan to enjoy his wealth alone, which God rebukes by calling him a fool for not being rich toward God, highlighting the folly of finding security in possessions.
- Ecclesiastes 5:10-12 reflects on the vanity of loving money, as it cannot fulfill one's desire for true abundance.
REFLECTIONS ON FINANCIAL ANXIETY AND ENVY:
- Jesus' parable serves as a caution against pride and greed, urging us to recognize God as the source of all blessings and to use our resources to serve Him and others.
- C.S. Lewis describes pride as "spiritual cancer," emphasizing that pride prevents us from knowing God, as it involves looking down on others and things, missing what is above.
CONCLUSION:
The parable of the rich fool teaches us to be rich toward God, using our blessings to glorify Him and serve others, rather than accumulating wealth for self-satisfaction. Recognizing Jesus as the source of true life and abundance helps us avoid the spiritual pitfalls of pride and self-sufficiency.
As we quoted earlier, C.S. Lewis called pride “spiritual cancer”. He goes on to say: “As long as you are proud you cannot know God. A proud man is always looking down on things and people: and, of course, as long as you are looking down, you cannot see something that is above you.”
Today's topic was drawn from our new study guide entitledRich Toward God.
ON TODAY’S PROGRAM, ROB ANSWERS LISTENER QUESTIONS:
- I'm in my 60s and financially set but curious about Roth IRAs for my daughter, who's earning around $150k-$160k. Should she open a Roth IRA despite nearing the income limit, and how do we navigate financial planning costs?
- I've been divorced for 10 years, and despite filing a quitclaim deed, I'm still on the mortgage. How can I remove my name from the mortgage when my ex-husband cannot refinance?
- I'm contemplating the best investment for securing $90,000. Is buying property a good option, or are there better investments?
- Concerning Matthew 25:16 and the parable of the talents, specifically the trading aspect, how did they make money in a way that was acceptable to God?
- I've accumulated about $75,000 in debt due to a timeshare mistake and took out a home equity loan with a high interest rate that's barely covering the principal. Should I refinance my mortgage or take another approach?
RESOURCES MENTIONED:
- Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor
- Everyday Steward (a division of Ron Blue Trust for financial planning):
Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on the Moody Radio Network as well as American Family Radio. Visit our website at FaithFi.comwhere you can join the FaithFi Community, and give as we expand our outreach.
Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every workday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God’s resources.
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