13 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.” 16 And he told them this parable: “The ground of a certain rich man yielded an abundant harvest. 17 He thought to himself, ‘What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.18 “Then he said, ‘This is what I’ll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store my surplus grain.19 And I’ll say to myself, “You have plenty of grain laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry.”’ 20 “But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?’21 “This is how it will be with whoever stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God.”
Luke 12:13-21
C.S. Lewis, in his profound work Mere Christianity, penned a thought that resonates deeply within the soul: “Humility is not thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less.” This simple yet profound statement invites us to ponder the essence of our daily thoughts. How often do we find ourselves entangled in self-centered musings? Our bank accounts, attire, meals, aspirations, destinations, experiences, and emotions—these are the threads that weave the fabric of our practical, day-to-day survival.
Yet, as followers of Christ, we are beckoned to a higher calling—a Christ-like existence. At the break of dawn, let us wonder: what preoccupied the mind of Jesus? Fully aware of His impending persecution and crucifixion, what divine purpose propelled Him from slumber each morning?
Consider those mornings brimming with anticipation, where excitement or duty stirred you from sleep. Contrastingly, recall the dreaded dawns, heavy with the weight of uncertainty—job evaluations, medical procedures, or the palpable absence of a loved one.
Amidst life’s tapestry of trials and triumphs, what is the cornerstone of our existence? What ignites our spirit each evening and awakens us with renewed purpose at sunrise? It cannot be material possessions; it cannot be self-absorption. For these pursuits, devoid of deeper meaning, lead to an empty existence.
We are called to transcend self-interest. Crafted body and soul for the glory of God, we are reminded by 1 John 4:16 that “God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God.” Our ultimate aim is not to indulge in ease and merriment alone.
We are destined for the Glory of God.
Do you rise each morning, fueled by the divine purpose to be the world’s light and salt? We must cultivate a habit of considering others’ needs before our own. Envision someone who may need prayer, assistance, or simply the pleasure of shared company over tea or coffee. Imagine aiding a stranger in need of groceries or being a compassionate presence for someone in distress. Our journey towards renewal begins with a mind refreshed each morning, focused not on ourselves, but on the love and service we can offer to others.
Let us awaken to this call every day, embracing humility and embodying the love that binds us to Christ.
T H E O P H I L U S 
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