In our journey at Lakeview Christian Church of Portage Lakes, we are constantly reminded of our mission to “Be the Change as Jesus has Changed Us.” This mission calls us to examine our priorities and ensure that God remains at the center of our lives. Tyler’s sermon offers a profound reflection on the parable of the rich fool, challenging us to consider what truly matters in a world filled with distractions.
The Illusion of Security
The parable of the rich fool, as recounted in Luke 12:16-21, tells the story of a man who stored his wealth in barns, believing it would secure his future. However, Jesus labels him a fool, not because of his wealth, but because he placed his trust in material possessions rather than in God. This story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of allowing earthly treasures to overshadow our relationship with God.
Psalm 73:25-26 beautifully captures the essence of where our true security lies: “Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” This passage reminds us that while our earthly resources may fail, God remains our eternal strength and portion.
The Trap of Materialism
In today’s world, it is easy to become ensnared by the pursuit of wealth, success, and personal advancement. These pursuits, while not inherently wrong, can quickly become idols that replace God on the throne of our hearts. As Tyler pointed out, when we prioritize money, jobs, or personal well-being above all else, we risk losing sight of what truly matters.
At Lakeview, we are committed to studying God’s Word to discern His will for our lives. By immersing ourselves in Scripture, we learn to recognize the subtle ways in which materialism can creep into our hearts. Our “Just 3” approach—Study, Share, and Serve—guides us to keep God at the forefront of our lives, ensuring that our priorities align with His eternal purpose.
Reclaiming the Throne
The challenge before us is to re-throne Jesus as the King of our hearts. This requires intentional reflection and realignment of our priorities. As we study God’s Word, we are reminded of the importance of placing Him above all else. In Matthew 6:33, Jesus instructs us to “seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
By sharing our journey with others, we can encourage one another to keep God at the center of our lives. Our community at Lakeview is a place where we can support each other in this endeavor, holding one another accountable and celebrating the ways in which God is working in our lives.
Serving as Love in Action
Finally, our commitment to serve is a tangible expression of our love for God and others. When we serve, we demonstrate that our trust is not in material possessions, but in the eternal riches found in Christ. Through acts of service, we invest in the lives of those around us, reflecting the heart of Jesus and making a lasting impact on our community.
Conclusion
As we reflect on Tyler’s sermon, let us be reminded of our mission at Lakeview Christian Church of Portage Lakes: to be the change as Jesus has changed us. By prioritizing God in our lives, we can navigate the distractions of this world and live lives that glorify Him. Let us reclaim the throne of our hearts, ensuring that Jesus remains our ultimate desire and source of strength.
