Being rich towards God - Mau’oa i le Atua

Scripture Focus: Luka 12:1-21

Meanwhile, when a multitude of many thousands had gathered together, so much so that they trampled on each other, he began to tell his disciples first of all, “Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. But there is nothing covered up, that will not be revealed, nor hidden, that will not be known. Therefore whatever you have said in the darkness will be heard in the light. What you have spoken in the ear in the inner rooms will be proclaimed on the housetops. “I tell you, my friends, don’t be afraid of those who kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. But I will warn you whom you should fear. Fear him, who after he has killed, has power to cast into Gehenna.Yes, I tell you, fear him. “Aren’t five sparrows sold for two assaria coins? Not one of them is forgotten by God. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Therefore don’t be afraid. You are of more value than many sparrows. “I tell you, everyone who confesses me before men, him will the Son of Man also confess before the angels of God; but he who denies me in the presence of men will be denied in the presence of the angels of God. Everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but those who blaspheme against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven. When they bring you before the synagogues, the rulers, and the authorities, don’t be anxious how or what you will answer, or what you will say; for the Holy Spirit will teach you in that same hour what you must say.” One of the multitude said to him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.” But he said to him, “Man, who made me a judge or an arbitrator over you?” He said to them, “Beware! Keep yourselves from covetousness, for a man’s life doesn’t consist of the abundance of the things which he possesses.” He spoke a parable to them, saying, “The ground of a certain rich man produced abundantly. He reasoned within himself, saying, ‘What will I do, because I don’t have room to store my crops?’ He said, ‘This is what I will do. I will pull down my barns, and build bigger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. I will tell my soul, “Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years. Take your ease, eat, drink, be merry.”’ “But God said to him, ‘You foolish one, tonight your soul is required of you. The things which you have prepared—whose will they be?’ So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.”
- Luke 12:1-21 (WEB)

Study:

In Luke 12:1-21, Jesus teaches a profound lesson about what it means to be truly rich. Beginning with a warning against hypocrisy, He uses vivid imagery to reveal that nothing done in secret remains hidden. He encourages His followers to fear God rather than man, emphasizing God’s care for even the smallest sparrow, and assuring us of His intimate knowledge and care. Jesus then tells a parable about a wealthy man who amasses great earthly wealth yet fails to be "rich toward God." The man stores up material treasures but neglects his spiritual well-being, illustrating the folly of valuing possessions over eternal riches. Jesus warns against greed and covetousness, reminding us that life’s value is not in possessions but in our relationship with God.

Application:

Today, we live in a world that constantly pressures us to accumulate wealth and possessions as measures of success. This passage challenges believers to examine where their true riches lie. Are we investing solely in things that perish, or are we storing up treasures in heaven by living lives that honor God? Being rich toward God means cultivating faith, generosity, humility, and a dependence on His provision. We are reminded to keep our focus on eternal values, not temporary gain, and to trust God’s care in all circumstances.

Reflection Questions:

• What are some ways I might be tempted to trust in material possessions rather than God?
• How can I practice being "rich toward God" in my daily life?
• What does it mean for me personally to “fear God” rather than fear people?
• In what ways is God calling me to be more generous and less covetous?
• How does knowing God values and knows me intimately affect how I live?

Prayer:

Lord, help me to keep my eyes fixed on You and not on the fleeting treasures of this world. Teach me to be rich toward You by trusting in Your provision, living with honesty and generosity, and fearing You above all else. May my life reflect Your kingdom values and bring glory to Your name. Amen.

Tags: being rich toward God, Luke 12 study, Christian stewardship, spiritual wealth, avoiding greed, Bible parables, trusting God, fear of God, Christian reflection, gospel of Luke