In the parable of the large banquet, Jesus tells of one particular type of man. The story begins in this way (Lk 14:16-18):
A man was giving a large banquet and invited many. At the time of the banquet, he sent his slave to tell those who were invited, ‘Come, because everything is now ready.’ But without exception they all began to make excuses. The first one said to him, ‘I have bought a field, and I must go out and see it. I ask you to excuse me.’
Though the host invited the first man, the first man didn’t come. Not only was this host offering a large banquet, but he also had his presence and his home to offer.
This was not enough for the first man. He had a field to tend to. He had priorities: field first, host second (or worse). His possessions got in the way of him and the most important person. Note: Tending to a field that you bought and have never seen is important. However, it is not worth it if something greater is offered.
Christians and non-Christians both have the capacity to let their stuff have a foothold in their life.
Non-Christians, are you unwilling to follow Jesus because you know that following Jesus means not valuing your earthly possessions? Jesus said in Mt 10:38-39 “Whoever doesn’t take up his cross and follow Me is not worthy of Me. Anyone finding his life will lose it, and anyone losing his life because of Me will find it.” However, the misunderstanding may be here: you don’t give up your stuff to earn something. You give up your stuff because it is nothing compared to the surpassing worth of Christ (Ph 3:8; Mt 13:44).
Christians, are you letting your stuff become an idol in your life? “Godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with these” (1 Tm 6:6-8). As Christians, we count all things as loss. We count God as our supreme treasure, worthy of all that we have. Do you sometimes value your stuff more than God? “Little children, guard yourselves from idols” (1 Jn 5:21).
Dear friends, flee from the love of money. Flee from the love of electronics. Flee from the love of your home. Flee from the love of your car. But, pursue Christ above all else. “Love God and do whatever you please: for the soul trained in love to God will do nothing to offend the One who is Beloved.”—Augustine
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