November 3, 2024
Chris Freeland
Southwest
"Giving is a rebellion—a declaration of independence against a liar whose whole plan is to make us afraid that our Father won’t take care of us."
What if our approach to money could shift from anxiety to freedom? Jesus speaks about money so often because He knows the grip it can have on our hearts. In Luke 12, He points out how money, while powerful, can carry a dangerous momentum. And this “momentum for more” can distract us, creating cycles of worry about what we lack and a drive for even more—even when we already have enough.
In this passage, Jesus tells a parable of a man who “hit it big” with an abundant crop. But instead of using the abundance to benefit others, the man planned to keep it all, tearing down his barns to build bigger ones. Jesus reveals this as the core issue: the man put his confidence in his possessions, believing they could sustain him indefinitely. In his rush for security, he missed the point—he was trading his trust in God for a trust in temporary things. Jesus warns us not to miss out on God’s kingdom by putting our hope in the “dot” of our earthly life rather than the eternal “line” beyond it.
Jesus doesn’t condemn money; He just urges us to see it in light of eternity. When we give, we’re declaring freedom from the fear that we won’t be provided for. Our generosity becomes a symbol of trust, not just in a God who “might” provide but in a Father who has promised to take care of His children. The invitation is clear: Give as a reminder to our hearts that God has “more” for us than we could ever accumulate. It’s about seeking His kingdom first, moving beyond the need for “more” by stepping into the abundance He offers. In the end, the heart He desires for us is one freed from worry and rich in Him.
Reflection Questions