May 15: Insight Post by Bret Burzio
Friday Insight Post
by J. Bret Burzio, Sr.
I am thinking this morning about Jesus’ parable about the very productive rich man and how it ties into our monthly focus on simplicity. I realized this story is not just about possessions. It is also about time and relationship. Let’s look at all the moments the rich man spends talking with himself in this story:
“He said to himself, ‘What should I do? I don’t have room for all my crops.’ Then he said, ‘I know! I’ll tear down my barns and build bigger ones. Then I’ll have room enough to store all my wheat and other goods. And I’ll sit back and say to myself, “My friend, you have enough stored away for years to come. Now take it easy! Eat, drink, and be merry!'” Luke 12:17-19 (NLT)
What a lovely conversation he was having with himself! He was taking some well thought out time to reflect on his accomplishments. He spent some additional time building a decent business plan to deal with his dilemma. He gets around to congratulating himself for being such a wily fellow. And finishes it up dwelling on his own plans for retirement bliss. I hope you are all seeing a pattern here.
What might this story have been like if the rich man had started this conversation with God? He spent so much time talking with himself that he forgot to spend all this valuable time talking with the Lord. You see, I think in addition to Jesus wanting us not to worry about our possessions, He is also wanting us to focus the time He has blessed us with on Him. So, the next time you find yourself having a dilemma over your possessions, think about starting that conversation with your Heavenly Father first and then see how your relationship with Him flourishes!
J. Bret Burzio, Sr.
Volunteer Manager
New Hope Church
Lorton, Virginia
newhope.org