Then Jesus said to them, “Watch out! Guard yourself against all kinds of greed. After all, one’s life isn’t determined by one’s possessions, even when someone is very wealthy.” (Luke 12:15)
If we could easily identify “greed” as just a dollar amount, it would be so much easier. We often try to put a dollar amount on greed… and then tax it.
The warning is against all kinds of greed. The story Jesus then tells concerns a farmer who has enough storage for himself, but then his crop is bigger than his storage, so he builds bigger barns. He looked ahead for his provision.
At face value, there is a lot of American good in that very short story. He looked ahead. He thought of his retirement. He didn’t want to “be a burden” on anyone else…
And Jesus says God judged him that night.
Included in that “all kinds of greed” is the greed that doesn’t look out for others as well. There is a temptation to think the “bonus” we get is just for us. The failure is to check in with God and ask what that “bonus” may have as a purpose in our lives.
“All kinds of greed” doesn’t have a dollar amount. Another component is looking for more… just for more. It’s not seeing “the other” in our lives. It’s allowing the thought that the god of Mammon can be enough for us.
There are “all kinds of greed” we need to be aware of in our lives. We need a greater awareness of the resources we have in our lives, and how God might want us to use them.
Apprentice 2 Jesus 