“Someone in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.” 14 Jesus replied, “Man, who appointed me a judge or an arbiter between you?” 15 Then he said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.” Luke 12.13-14
Once again, I write from Cannes, France. We are staying in a town in Antibes, not far from Cannes (pronounced “Can,” as in “pan”).
Wealth is everywhere. It’s beautiful—the houses are huge, the people are pretty, and the cars are spectacular. Lamborghinis, Ferraris, and everything in between filled the city, especially over the weekend during the movie-car events.
Although this is the home of the ultra-rich, there is also a wonderful vibe of contentment, peace, and quiet in the air. Now, I am on vacation with my wife, so perhaps that’s what I’m experiencing. Even when passing $20 million homes, I sense a laid-back atmosphere most of the time. Yet greed is also in the air—the lure of wealth, the desire for more, the need to keep up with the latest trends and fashions.
And through it all rings a distant church bell, tolling ten times for 10 o’clock this morning, reminding us of Jesus’ words: “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.”
The translation is clear: there is more to life than what you have, what you spend, or what you possess.
So what is life? Life is a Person. In John 10:10, Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (emphasis added). Life is not pleasure, possessions, or power. Life is knowing the Person of Jesus—God in the flesh, the Word come to earth, the Christ, the Messiah, the Shepherd of our souls. Knowing Him is the only thing that brings true and everlasting life.
Everything I see around me is not bad; it’s just incomplete. Those who do not yet know Jesus are searching for completion. Believe me, I’ve had many conversations this trip with strangers about what really matters. It’s Jesus, plain and simple. The rest is just icing on the cake—but it’s not the cake. That is Christ, who suffered, was crucified, died, and resurrected so we might be filled with grace instead of greed.
Trust in that grace today. Run from greed. Look to God and to Jesus, the author and finisher of your faith. He is the good life we have all been searching for.
“O Lord, it is magnificent in this region of the world. You crafted the oceans, hills, snow-capped mountain peaks, and the people. You made all things and called them good. Help us keep our eyes upon You—to enjoy, with limits, the pleasures of this world, but to find our true source of love in You. Come now, Holy Spirit, fill me again, make me whole, and turn my eyes to You. I love You and praise You, Lord. I thank You for this day, for You are good and Your love endures forever.” Amen.