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Tear Down the Barns
Tim Savage16Then he told them a story:“A rich man had a fertile farm that produced fine crops.17He said to himself, ‘What should I do? I don’t have room for all my crops.’18Then he said, ‘I know! I’ll tear down my barns and build bigger ones. Then I’ll have room enough to store all my wheat and other goods.19And I’ll sit back and say to myself, “My friend, you have enough stored away for years to come. Now take it easy! Eat, drink, and be merry!”’
20“But God said to him, ‘You fool! You will die this very night. Then who will get everything you worked for?’
21“Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God.” Luke 12
As I get older I’m starting to give more attention to preparing for retirement. I’m taking some classes on strategies for my parents and for Mardi and me. I feel a little like the man who tore down his old barns to build bigger ones. When I injured my knee 5 months ago I suddenly became very aware of what it was like to age 20 years. I had to slow down, plan my steps and be more careful about moving around, everything was more difficult. It gave me a new appreciation of what my parents are going through and how I needed to prepare for them and eventually, for my wife and me. I think it’s wise, at a certain point, to start getting ready for old age. It will benefit the entire family, including my kids. However, this passage reminds me that the goal of my life isn’t comfort and convenience or the ability to live well and travel a lot in our retirement, the goal is to continue to minister and support ministries that are reaching people for Christ.
There is an appropriate amount of preparation, planning and saving for the future, but we weren’t designed to be cul de sacs where resource flows in, collects and stagnates; we were designed to be conduits, where money, time and gifts flow through and we guide and direct to the appropriate destinations bringing life to all. If I store up earthly wealth, but don’t cultivate my relationship with God, I am a fool who could lose my eternity for the fleeting and temporal.
Dear Heavenly Father,
I must keep my priorities straight as I enter the second half of my life. I must keep my eyes on the prize and not settle in to making comfort and convenience my goal. I want to focus on what You are blessing, not ask for Your blessing on what I am focused on. I ask for Your guidance and direction. May Your will be done in my life.
In Jesus name,
Amen
