Building Bigger Barns: The Danger of Material Obsession

Don't fall into the trap of building bigger barns! Discover the dangers of materialism and how to cultivate a heart of gratitude and purpose. Read more from a Christian author.

As we journey through life, we often find ourselves striving for success, security, and financial stability. There's nothing wrong with setting goals and working hard to achieve them, but when our focus on material possessions begins to overshadow our spiritual growth, we've lost sight of what's truly important. In Luke 12:15, Jesus warns us, "Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions." In other words, our worth and value as human beings aren't determined by the things we own. But in today's society, it's easy to fall into the trap of trying to build a bigger barn.

What Does It Mean to Build a Bigger Barn?

In ancient times, a farmer who had a good harvest would store his surplus grain in a barn. If he needed more room, he would build a bigger barn to accommodate his wealth. This practice is still prevalent today, but instead of barns, we build bigger houses, buy more cars, and accumulate more stuff. We're never satisfied with what we have, and we always want more. We believe that our possessions define us and give us security, but in reality, they only serve to distract us from the things that truly matter.

Why Do We Try to Build Bigger Barns?

There are many reasons why we try to build bigger barns. For some, it's a way of keeping up with the Joneses. We feel pressure to have the latest gadgets, wear the trendiest clothes, and live in the most desirable neighborhoods. For others, it's a way of compensating for our insecurities. We believe that if we have more money, we'll be happier, more successful, and more respected. We forget that true happiness and contentment come from within and aren't dependent on external factors.

The Dangers of Building Bigger Barns

Building bigger barns can have serious consequences. First, it can lead to debt and financial stress. When we're constantly buying things we don't need and can't afford, we put ourselves in a precarious financial situation. We may have a high income, but if we're spending more than we're earning, we're headed for trouble.

Second, building bigger barns can lead to a lack of generosity. When we're so focused on accumulating wealth, we forget about the needs of others. We become selfish and greedy, hoarding our resources instead of sharing them with those who are less fortunate.

Third, building bigger barns can lead to a lack of purpose. When our primary goal in life is to accumulate wealth, we lose sight of our true calling. We forget that we were created for a purpose and that our lives have meaning beyond our material possessions.

What Does the Bible Say About Building Bigger Barns?

The Bible has a lot to say about building bigger barns. In Luke 12:16-21, Jesus tells a parable about a rich man who had a bountiful harvest and decided to tear down his barns and build bigger ones to store his wealth. But God said to him, "Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?" The point of the story is that our lives are short, and we can't take our possessions with us when we die. We need to focus on building up treasures in heaven instead of on earth.

In Matthew 6:19-21, Jesus says, "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Our focus should be on eternal treasures, not temporary possessions.

In 1 Timothy 6:10, Paul warns us, "For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs." Money itself isn't evil, but the love of money can lead to all sorts of problems.

How Can We Avoid Building Bigger Barns?

The first step in avoiding the trap of building bigger barns is to recognize that our worth and value come from God, not from our possessions. We need to cultivate a heart of gratitude and contentment and learn to be happy with what we have. We should focus on building up treasures in heaven by serving others and sharing our resources with those in need.

Second, we need to be wise stewards of our resources. We should live within our means, avoid debt, and save for the future. We should also be generous with our money and use it to further God's kingdom.

Third, we should seek God's will for our lives and pursue our true calling. We should use our talents and abilities to glorify God and make a positive impact on the world.

Conclusion

In conclusion, building bigger barns may seem like a good idea, but it can lead to debt, selfishness, and a lack of purpose. Instead, we should focus on building up treasures in heaven by serving others, being wise stewards of our resources, and pursuing God's will for our lives. We should remember that our worth and value come from God, not from our possessions, and that true happiness and contentment come from within, not from external factors.

FAQs

Q: Is it wrong to be wealthy?
A: No, it's not wrong to be wealthy. However, it's wrong to make wealth the focus of our lives and to use it selfishly.

Q: How can I be content with what I have?
A: Cultivate a heart of gratitude, focus on eternal treasures, and remember that our worth and value come from God, not from our possessions.

Q: Should I save for the future or give to charity?
A: Both are important. We should be wise stewards of our resources and save for the future, but we should also be generous with our money and use it to further God's kingdom.

Q: How can I discern God's will for my life?
A: Pray, seek wise counsel, and use your talents and abilities to glorify God and make a positive impact on the world.

Q: Is it wrong to enjoy the good things in life?
A: No, it's not wrong to enjoy the good things in life. However, we should be mindful of our motives and remember that true happiness and contentment come from within, not from external factors.