And He said to them, Guard yourselves and keep free from all covetousness (the immoderate desire for wealth, the greedy longing to have more); for a man’s life does not consist in and is not derived from possessing overflowing abundance or that which is over and above his needs.
Luke 12:15 AMPC
Jesus’ words confront the mindset of a culture that often equates worth with wealth. He reminds us that the meaning of life is not in possessions. True purpose comes not from accumulation but from alignment with God’s will.
When a man asked Jesus to settle a family inheritance dispute, Jesus looked beyond the request and addressed the real issue. He exposed the danger of covetousness—a desire that draws hearts away from God. Greed does not simply corrupt finances; it corrodes the soul. Jesus used that moment to redirect attention to what truly matters: life in God.
God did not design us to chase material things. He created us to walk with Him and fulfil a calling only we can complete. Many people gather wealth expecting it to bring contentment. Yet, they still feel empty because only God’s purpose can satisfy the soul. The world promises happiness through possessions, but that promise always falls short. The meaning of life is not in possessions; it rests in knowing Christ and living for Him.
Jesus urges us to seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness. When we follow this instruction from Matthew 6:33, we align our hearts with God’s eternal priorities. Instead of building temporary comfort, we invest in what lasts forever. Obedience to God leads to fruit that never fades. His purpose always carries more value than anything money can buy.
Throughout Scripture, God reveals what happens when people pursue things above Him. Achan in Joshua’s time took forbidden treasures and brought judgment on himself and Israel. David coveted another man’s wife and caused pain that stretched across generations. Judas exchanged the Saviour for silver and plunged into despair. These examples warn us not to follow their path.
In Mark 12, Jesus noticed a poor widow placing two small coins into the temple offering. She gave all she had. Though her gift appeared small, Jesus saw great faith and deep trust. She understood that the meaning of life is not in possessions but in surrender to God.
Even today, the world still tempts us to believe that more things will bring more joy. But God calls us to trust Him. When we live generously, walk in faith, and fix our eyes on eternity, we find the peace possessions cannot offer. God blesses us with good things, but He never asks us to find our identity in them. He wants our hearts, not our handbags.
When we allow wealth to define us, we walk into a trap. But when we live by purpose, we walk in freedom. Jesus urges us to store up treasures in heaven, not on earth. He knows that earthly riches fade, but Kingdom investments last forever.
So pause today and consider your heart. What drives your decisions? What fills your thoughts? Do you live to gather or live to give? Do you build your life around things that pass away or things that stand eternally?
God offers a better way. He invites us into a life marked not by riches but by righteousness. Not by success but by surrender. He reminds us again and again: the meaning of life is not in possessions. It is in Him. So live for more than this world. Live for Christ.
Living It Out
Take a moment to examine your heart: Are you chasing possessions or pursuing purpose? Jesus calls us to live for more than what fades. This week, choose one tangible way to align your life with God’s priorities—whether it’s through generosity, contentment, or deeper trust in Him.
Ask God to search your heart and reveal any area where you’ve been seeking fulfilment in things rather than in Him. Surrender that space to Him today. Remember, true life isn’t found in what you own—it’s found in knowing Christ.
Don’t just read—respond. Live for more. Live for Christ.