And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth. — Luke 12:15
I once read the story of a man who had worked extremely hard in his life to become successful. By a young age, he had accomplished many great things. He was a proven leader, being trusted with his employer’s possessions, money, and leading his teams. Yet, he was still unhappy.
He started trying to find things to make him happy. He began to date someone and soon married. But he was still unhappy. He bought some of the nicest cars that he could find, but he was still unhappy. He even had the biggest house in the neighborhood with all the nicest amenities. Yet, he was still unhappy.
As he got older, someone asked him what the key to a successful life was. He gave a humorous response, but it sheds light on his situation. His response to being successful in life was to never be happy. He was convinced that his unhappiness drove him to success.
Just like this man, we often push ourselves for all the things of this world. We become so blinded by possessions and things in this life that we forget they are all temporary. Jesus reminds us in this verse that we should beware of this. Our lives are more than the things we possess.
Are you chasing happiness? If you are, you won’t find it in the things of this world. You will find yourself just like this man, unhappy. True happiness can only be found when someone submits their life to God and God’s will. It isn’t always the easiest road, but it is the path to true happiness.