Seeking and Serving...Yourself

​We use the Bible, and even the name of God, to determine and promote fairness and equality. I believe this is important and valuable in considering what is worth fighting for or standing up for. But too often, we use it as an authority in order to demand things of others that they’re not willing to give. This leads us to using the Word of God as a weapon against each other rather than against the real enemy. Luke tells a story of someone attempting to use Jesus in this manner and what Jesus’ response is. Read Luke 12:13-21. A man begins asking Jesus to speak as an authority figure in a dispute over inheritance. Jesus immediately responds, not to the question, but to the underlying problem. He tells a story of planning for the future and setting aside wealth in order to live an easier life. But then the story takes an immediate left turn as God declares “You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?” Jesus finishes with the statement that “This is how it will be with whoever stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God.” This man was seeking fairness and equality. But was it on behalf of another? Was it for the sake of the Kingdom of God? Was it for the glory of God? No, it was very clearly a self-serving request. Jesus redirects the question to show that the only important thing we can do with our lives is to be rich toward God. If you’re not sure what this looks like in your life take a look at Proverbs 3:5-6 again. Trust in the Lord. Lean not on your own understanding. Submit your ways to Him. And remember the promise at the end. He will make your paths straight!

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