In Luke 12, a man came to Jesus with a money problem. But Jesus saw a heart problem instead. The man said:
“Master, speak to my brother, that he divide the inheritance with me.” (Luke 12:13)
He wanted Jesus to settle a family argument. But Jesus didn’t come to play judge in financial fights. He said:
“Man, who made me a judge or a divider over you?” (v. 14)
Then Jesus gave a warning:
“Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.” (v. 15)
Right after that, He told the parable of the rich fool. This man had so much money and stuff, he didn’t know what to do with it all. So he tore down his barns and built bigger ones. Then he told himself he could relax, eat, drink, and be merry for many years. But that night, he died.
God called him a fool.
“So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.” (Luke 12:21)
Jesus gave that parable to stop the disciples from chasing riches and start thinking about eternity. He then turned and gave them a lesson on how to be rich toward God. It was about changing how they think, walk, and live.
Here are five things Jesus told them—and us.
1. Control Your Thinking
Jesus said:
“Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat; neither for the body, what ye shall put on.” (Luke 12:22)
Four times Jesus says to “consider” or “thought” right after the parable. He’s not saying we should never plan for food or clothes. He’s saying don’t let worry run your life. People who live for money are always stressed. God’s people are supposed to think differently.
He said:
“Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap… and God feedeth them: how much more are ye better than the fowls?” (v. 24)
And again:
“Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.” (v. 27)
The key word is “consider.” God is telling us to control how we think. Don’t let your mind run wild with fear or greed. If you want to be rich toward God, it starts with thinking right.
2. Control Your Direction
Jesus said:
“Seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind… But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you.” (vv. 29, 31)
The word “seek” is about direction. You can’t walk toward two things at once. Either you’re chasing the kingdom of God, or you’re chasing the things of this world. But you can’t go both ways.
People who are rich toward God care more about His kingdom than their own comforts. They wake up thinking about souls, not sales. They look for ways to serve, not just ways to save.
You don’t drift into following God on accident. You seek it on purpose.
3. Control Your Fear
Jesus knew this kind of living would scare some people. Giving instead of hoarding, trusting instead of worrying. So He said:
“Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” (v. 32)
That’s a powerful verse. First, He calls us a “little flock.” We aren’t strong, but we have a Shepherd. Then He says it pleases the Father to give us the kingdom. That means we don’t have to fear losing things. We’re not chasing crumbs. We already have a place in God’s plan.
If you’re going to be rich toward God, you’ve got to stop fearing what the world fears.
4. Control Your Giving
Jesus continues:
“Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not.” (v. 33)
Now He’s not saying every Christian needs to sell everything. But He is saying we need to loosen our grip. Giving is one of the clearest ways to test where your heart is. That’s why He follows it up with:
“For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” (v. 34)
Giving isn’t just something rich people do. It’s something God’s people do. It doesn’t matter how much you have. What matters is whether you use what you have to bless others.
5. Control Your Readiness
Right after telling them to give, Jesus said:
“Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning.” (v. 35)
This is about being ready. The rich fool thought he had all the time in the world. But he died that night.
Jesus is coming back. Heaven is real. And so is hell. Don’t live like this life is all there is. Stay ready.
The man in the crowd came to Jesus asking about money. But Jesus gave him something better: truth.
Real riches aren’t in barns or bank accounts. They’re found in a heart and life that pleases God.
To be rich toward God:
• Control how you think
• Control where you’re headed
• Control what you fear
• Control how you give
• And stay ready for the Lord’s return
The rich man in the parable died with full barns and an empty soul. Don’t make the same mistake.
Be rich toward God.
