What Would You Do Differently? Exploring Life’s Urgency Through the Parable of the Rich Fool

Today, we will dive into a topic that’s a bit heavier than usual but incredibly vital to our understanding of what it means to live a life aligned with God’s purpose. Inspired by a recent sermon centered on the Parable of the Rich Fool from Luke 12:13-21, the question posed is both simple and deeply unsettling: “If you knew you were going to die today, what would you do differently?”

This question isn’t just hypothetical; it stems from real-life catalysts in Sam’s own journey. Not long ago, the shadow of cancer loomed over him, a stark reminder of life’s fragility. Coupled with memories of his childhood overshadowed by the dread of nuclear annihilation and the loss of his friend Stacey, this question has took on a new, urgent dimension.

The Rich Fool: A Cautionary Tale

In Luke 12, Jesus tells a story about a man who, by societal standards, was a resounding success. He had wealth and the means to acquire more, yet God called him a fool not because he was wealthy, but because he was not “rich toward God.” His life was demanded of him, and all that he had accumulated could not follow him beyond the grave.

Which brings up the question. Are we successful because of what we own, or are we successful because of our relationships—with God and with others?

Redefining Success

How do we then define success? The world tells us it’s about accumulation: more money, more control, more possessions. But if we pivot our perspective to align with God’s, we find that true success involves providing for our families, maintaining health and happiness, and fostering genuine relationships with God and His people.

Living a Life of Purpose

What then, should we do if we truly knew our time was limited? The parable challenges us not to scramble in the dark, hiding evidence of our misdeeds or hastily trying to gather more for ourselves. Instead, it invites us to live openly, to give generously, and to orient our lives around the eternal rather than the ephemeral.

Jesus’s message is clear: What we do with our “riches,” whether material or spiritual, matters. Instead of building bigger barns to store our surplus, what if we extended our table? What if our abundance became a means to bless others rather than merely a way to secure our own comfort?

A Call to Action

As we reflect on this message, let’s challenge ourselves not only to ponder what we would do differently if today were our last but also to act upon these insights. Are there relationships in need of mending? Are there resources we can share? How can we shift from self-preservation to active generosity?

I encourage you to watch the full sermon on this parable HERE, or simply click the link below, to deepen your understanding and perhaps reevaluate your own answers to these life-defining questions.

Let’s remember that while our days may be numbered, the impact of our actions, grounded in faith and driven by love, can echo into eternity.