What Matters Most

Living the Sermon on the Mount Through the Practical Wisdom of Jesus' Parables

"But God said to him, 'You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you…'"  Luke 12:20–21 (NIV)

The Parable of the Rich Fool: A wealthy man tears down his barns to build larger ones to store his excess grain. Knowing that he had plenty, the man planned to eat, drink, and be merry for years to come. Yet God declared that his life would be demanded from him that very night.

The man did nothing wrong by the world's standards. He worked hard, planned wisely, and secured his future. Jesus doesn't call him a scoundrel — He calls him a fool, because he only thought of the present pleasures, not eternity.

I understand this man. It's surprisingly easy to fill life with things that feel substantial — accomplishments, security, well-earned comfort — and still be poor in the ways that matter most. Jesus isn't against abundance. He is against the quiet illusion that abundance is enough. There is a richness toward God that no barn can hold — and as it turns out, it's the only kind that survives the night.

What if…I measured my life less by what I've accumulated and more by what I've given, trusted, and surrendered to God?

Lord, show me where I've been building barns instead of building a life rich toward You. I don't want to arrive at the end of my days full of things and empty of what matters. Reorder what I value — starting today. Amen.

Let's do this together.

Founder, IHS Global™