March 19 - Luke 12: Forgetting the Essentials

"What can I do? My barn isn't big enough for this harvest." Then he said, "Here's what I do: I'll tear down my barns and build bigger ones. Then I'll gather in all my grain and goods, and I'll say to myself, Self, you've done well. You've got it made and can now retire. Take it easy and have the time of your life!" 

Just then God showed up and said, "Fool! Tonight you die. And your barnful of goods - who gets it?" 

That's what happens when you fill your barn with Self and not with God. (12:17-21)

The story of the greedy farmer has been a topic of conversation around our home for months now. As Harry and I have been examining our lives, priorities, and resources before the Lord, we have often asked ourselves, "What are the barns in our lives?"

What are the things in my life, or in our family life, that keep me focused on myself rather than God? Are there possessions or pursuits or selfish desires that occupy my thoughts and distract me from my walk with Christ?

It's sobering to identify my areas of temptation, like my selfish desires for accomplishment, for comfort, and to feel good about myself. It's humbling to realize how much these idols drive me internally and affect how I use my time and resources. Even good things - God-given things - like motherhood, bring out my idolatry, and my foolishness goes on display.

I appreciate Eugene Peterson's notes on this parable:

"The eternal relationships of the soul aren't improved by bursting barns or new cars or bigger homes. Our deepest happiness isn't influenced by the quantities of food and drink on the table. The profound realities of life aren't enlarged by material success in status or money. 

"Jesus called this man 'fool' because he remembered the wrong things. He remembered himself. There was never a soliloquy so full of the first-person singular pronoun as this speech of the rich fool. 

"Besides remembering the wrong things, he forgot the essential things. He forgot his neighbors. If his barns were too small, there must have been others who would have been only too glad to share in his surplus. He forgot time. It never occurred to him that time could possibly have an end." Conversations, pg. 1607

In being preoccupied with myself, with my own "barns," I, too, am forgetting the essential things. That I have been blessed to be a blessing to others. (Genesis 12:2-3) That God created me for a purpose and has good works prepared for me. (Ephesians 2:10) That I am rich - spiritually, relationally, and financially - whether I feel that way or not. (Ephesians 1:3, 2 Peter 1:3)

Throughout this chapter of Luke, Jesus encourages me to not let my "barns" distract me from His narrow path, from His plan for me. He reminds me to center my life on Him - the Way, the Truth, and the Life - trusting that His ways are good and He is sovereign, knowing that one day I will give an account for this one short life:

If God gives such attention to the wildflowers, most of them never even seen, don't you think he'll attend to you, take pride in you, do his best for you? (12:28)

Life is not defined by what you have, even when you have a lot. (12:15) 

Steep yourself in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. You'll find all your everyday human concerns will be met. Don't be afraid of missing out. You're my dearest friends! The Father wants to give you the very kingdom itself. (12:31-32)

Great gifts mean great responsibilities; greater gifts, greater responsibilities! (12:48) 

It's obvious, isn't it? The place where your treasure is, is the place you'll most want to be, and end up being. (12:34)