A synopsis of the sermon delivered by the Rev. David L. Hicks at St. Paul’s Reformed Episcopal Church on Trinity XV, September 17, 2004. Please read St. Luke 12:13-21.
There is a saying that goes, “Everyone has his price.” I would like to think that such in not the case in every situation, but the truth of the matter is that people will go to great lengths to acquire money. One of the current reality television programs, “Fear Factor,” illustrates this point. The program attracts its audience by getting people to do things they would not otherwise do (such as eating live cockroaches or jumping off buildings) with the hope of winning the jackpot cash prize. Things that are normally repulsive become attractive with the prospect of receiving the right amount of money. Sadly, many are led to believe that money and material possessions are the most important things in life. Someone came to Jesus on one occasion, requesting that he settle an inheritance dispute. Jesus quickly pointed out that he did not come to meddle in such matters – “Man, who made me a judge over you?” (Lk. 12:14). The man mistakenly assumed that Jesus was concerned about money in the same way that he was. Jesus uses this occasion to give a stern warning, “Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses” (Lk. 12:15). Jesus illustrates this statement with a parable about a wealthy man who built larger barns to hoard his increased wealth as a means of security. God says to him, “You fool! This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be which you have provided?” Jesus concludes by saying, “so is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God” (Lk. 12:20-21).
How easy it is to fall into the trap of placing such a high priority on money that we think it is the most important thing in life. Our Lord Jesus warns us against the sin of covetousness because it is such an insidious sin. It creeps upon the unwary Christian, taking him captive without the least suspicion of its presence. It bids us bend God’s laws, overlook our obedience to him, for the right amount of money. A lie to an insurance company about the nature of an automobile accident, a bitter quarrel over a family heirloom, a dishonest business dealing – all can be justified in the Christian’s mind so that he sells his birthright in the wealth of the kingdom of God for the meager pottage of the world’s gold. Is anything really more valuable than our place with God? Would we dare let go of his hand in order to grab those things that will rust and corrupt; or would be do anything to jeopardize our right relation with him? Would we put a price on the life that we have in Jesus Christ? “Take heed,” our Lord says, “Take heed and beware of covetousness!” We would be wise to heed our master’s warning and beware the great danger that would overtake us, because it is a danger indeed. Is there a temptation that you are presently facing – a temptation that offers money or wealth for a small sacrifice of conscience? Remember, Christian, a man’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.
Amen.
