Monday, October 12, 2026

Bible in a Year Reading Plan: Deuteronomy 13-15 | 1 Peter 1

I want…. 

I need…. 

I must have…. 

These are all phrases my children say more often than I’d like to admit. And if I’m honest, I’m probably thinking these phrases just as frequently. Even when all of my needs are met, I always want just a little bit more.  

There is some desire inherent in all humanity that makes us crave what we don’t have. We believe if we just had this one thing, or a little more money, we would be satisfied. Yet we are never content. 

Is it wrong to want things? 

Is there any way to be truly satisfied?

Jesus knew that the hunger for more was rooted deeply in the human heart. He knew our desire to acquire was more accurately a disorder of the heart. Our hearts are designed to worship, and this is often displayed in our relationship with money.

In the “Parable of the Rich Fool,” Jesus revealed the greed rooted in the lives of those whose hearts are not controlled by love of God.

Luke 12:16, 18, 20-21 (emphasis added)

Then he told them a story: “A rich man had a fertile farm that produced fine crops.” 

The story begins innocently enough. We should be celebrating the success of this farmer. His crops produced well, and he had everything he needed. However, as we move forward we see the man’s heart revealed.

“Then he said, ‘I know! I’ll tear down my barns and build bigger ones. Then I’ll have room enough to store all my wheat and other goods.” 

Instead of contentment, thankfulness, and generosity, he sought more. He thought by acquiring more, he could live at ease and not be dependent on anyone. As Jesus’ audience listened, he delivered the shocking punchline.

“But God said to him, ‘You fool! You will die this very night. Then who will get everything you worked for?’ Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God.”

Jesus knew that while money is neutral, our hearts are not. When we value things more than our relationship with him, our hearts are disordered. When money is our master, our lives are filled with an ever-increasing desire for more. We will never find peace, and our hearts will never change until Christ is our deepest desire. Only then will we discover the peace our souls crave. 

Questions:
What does your heart crave? 

Do you find yourself being satisfied with what you have, or do you constantly desire more? 

Next Steps:
Be intentional in how you spend the money you earn or receive. Make a plan to save, give, and spend. As you give, thank God for meeting your needs.

Consider joining a MoneyWise Core Group this fall. There are several 5-6 week Groups starting in October and November of this year. Check out the Groups Directory and search “MoneyWise” to see the full listing of options. 

Prayer: 
Heavenly Father, thank you for your many blessings. Forgive me for desiring things more than I desire you. Help me order my priorities so that money does not control my heart. Help me be generous and grateful for the many things you have blessed me with. Amen.

Series Theme Verse:

1 Timothy 6:6-7
Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth. After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can’t take anything with us when we leave it. 

Written by Julie Mabus, a regular contributor to the Daily Devotional.