Why Are We So Easily Fooled by Wealth?

In 2007, actor Owen Wilson attempted suicide. The news shocked many. After all, he had everything the world tells us brings happiness—fame, money, homes in paradise. Why, then, would he feel so hopeless?

His story is a mirror to our culture. We’re taught from every direction that life is about more: more money, more comfort, more stuff. But Jesus dismantles that idea with a parable that still hits hard today (Luke 12:13–21). He shows us that the pursuit of possessions without God is not just foolish—it’s deadly.

The Danger You Don’t See Coming

After 23 years in pastoral ministry, I’ve counseled countless people struggling with all kinds of sins. But I’ve never had someone confess, “Pastor, I struggle with greed.”

Why? Because greed is deceptive. It hides in plain sight. It’s the air we breathe in a culture obsessed with safety, security, comfort and convenience.

Jesus says in Luke 12:15: “Watch out! Be on guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.”

Why? Because the love of money is a trap (1 Timothy 6:9-10). It never satisfies. It always demands more. And if you’re not actively on guard, it can consume you, dull your heart, and subtly replace God at the center of your life.

Colossians 3:5 goes further, calling greed idolatry. Why? Because it replaces God as our treasure.

Greed tells us, “If you don’t have this, you’re missing out. If you do have this, you’ll finally be satisfied.” But it’s a lie. A dangerous one. One that suffocates joy and slowly steals your soul.

So, reflect personally:

  • Do I believe more money will solve my problems?
  • Do I find my security in my bank account more than in Christ?
  • Do I make decisions based on comfort instead of calling?
  • Do I believe newer equals better?
  • Is my mood tied to my financial situation?

If you’re not on guard, your possessions will begin to possess you.

When Success Makes You Spiritually Blind

In Luke 12:16–20, Jesus tells the story of a wealthy farmer whose success led him to say, “Relax, eat, drink, and be merry!” But God calls him a fool—not because he was rich, but because he lived as if God didn’t exist. His wealth wasn’t the problem. His worship was.

His mistakes were clear:

  • He was shortsighted, assuming he controlled his future.
  • He was selfish, never thinking of others.
  • He was thankless, ignoring the God who blessed him.
  • He was complacent, seeking comfort instead of purpose.

And he died that night—leaving all his earthly treasure behind.

What if You’re Already Rich—and Don’t Know It?

Jesus ends the story with this call: “Be rich toward God” (Luke 12:21). What does that mean?

To be rich toward God is to treasure Him above everything else. It looks like:

  • Living for His glory, not your gain.
  • Using your money, time, and home for His kingdom.
  • Being generous because God has been generous to you.
  • Saying, “Jesus is enough,” even when the world says otherwise.
  • Choosing contentment over consumerism, sacrifice over selfishness.
  • Living a life that multiplies. It’s not just about your spiritual health—it’s about pouring into others so they, too, “treasure Christ above all.”

It’s saying with your life: Jesus + nothing = everything.

Living Dangerously in the Hands of God

The greatest threat to our discipleship isn’t persecution—it’s abundance. The comfort of our lives can lull us into spiritual complacency. But Jesus calls us to more. He calls us to live dangerously—to risk comfort for the sake of His kingdom.

Imagine if every Christian in your neighborhood used their home, their money, their extra seat at the table as a tool for making disciples. That’s what Jesus is inviting you into.

Discipleship happens in the ordinary—where we live, learn, work, and play. So here’s the question:

Are you using your everyday life to store up treasure in heaven?

  • Open your home for gospel-centered community.
  • Use your income to support missionaries and church planters.
  • Simplify your lifestyle so you can give more away.
  • Model contentment to your kids and neighbors.
  • Spend your time discipling others rather than chasing upgrades.

Like missionary C.T. Studd, who gave away a fortune for the sake of the gospel, we’re reminded: “Only one life, ’twill soon be past. Only what’s done for Christ will last.”

What a vision—to aim our lives not at comfort, but at Christ.

Challenge: Will You Be Rich Toward God?

  • Are you living for treasure that will fade—or for what will last forever?
  • Are you using your life, your income, your home, your influence to make disciples?
  • Are you awake to the subtle lure of greed—or has it lulled you to sleep?

This week, find one way to leverage something you own—your car, your table, your money—to bless and disciple someone else.

Let’s not waste our lives chasing what doesn’t matter. Jesus has freed us from the tyranny of more so we can live for what truly satisfies—Him.

Everything – Jesus = Nothing

Jesus + Nothing = Everything

Let’s live rich—toward God. “Lord, free me from the lie of more. Help me live richly toward You today—for Your glory and others’ good. Amen.”