The Generosity Test: Are You Building for Self or God?

PVN Belfast
Apr 30
3 min read

Introduction

What does true generosity look like in the Kingdom of God? In a world that praises success, accumulation, and self-made stories, Jesus challenges us with a different standard. In Luke 12:13–21, He shares the parable of the rich fool—not to shame wealth, but to expose the mindset behind how we use what we’re given.

This blog post dives into a sermon that asks a critical question: Are you building barns for yourself, or are you investing in what matters to God? Let’s explore what real generosity means and how it can transform both your life and your community.

Greed vs. Generosity: What’s Really Driving Us?

The story starts with a dispute over inheritance, prompting Jesus to warn the crowd: "Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions." (Luke 12:15 NIV)

Greed isn’t just about money. It’s about mindset. It's when we take more than we give, consume more than we contribute, and prioritize self over others.

Real-life Example: Greed in Community

Consider a church community where members benefit from shared worship, leadership, connection, and love. Imagine someone who enjoys all this but refuses to give back, whether through time, service, or finances. That’s what unchecked greed looks like.

Here’s what you receive from such a community:

Presence
Covenant
Godly leadership
Common wealth
Identity
Companionship
Connectedness
Friendship
Love
Fellowship

How can we receive so much and still withhold from giving back? Jesus uses this parable to urge us to move from consumerism to contribution.

The Parable of the Rich Fool: A Deeper Look

Jesus paints the picture of a wealthy man who receives an abundant harvest—a blessing directly from God. Instead of asking, “How can I use this to bless others?” the man says, “I’ll build bigger barns, store everything, and enjoy life.”

God’s Response: “You fool.”

Why such a harsh word from God? Because the man:

Never acknowledged God as the source of his harvest.
Built capacity only for personal pleasure, not for community impact.
Was rich to himself but not rich toward God.

This parable isn’t about condemning planning or success. It’s about purpose. Joseph, for instance, built storehouses to preserve lives during famine, not to hoard for himself. His capacity building was aligned with God’s purpose.

Honest Questions That Demand Reflection

Am I acknowledging God as my source?

Do you believe your talent, income, or success is solely your doing? Or do you recognize the grace that makes it all possible?

What am I building capacity for?

Are your goals about personal comfort, or are they connected to a vision bigger than you?

Am I rich toward God?

Generosity isn’t just about giving to people—it’s about honoring God with your time, talent, and treasure.

You’re Blessed to Be a Blessing

We are all given something: time, talent, treasure. The question is, what are we doing with it? Are we hoarding it for ourselves or using it to serve others and honor God?

The rich fool had a harvest from God, but he made it all about himself. Let that not be our story. Let us be generous in heart, purpose, and action.

Call to Action

Take a moment and reflect: Am I giving back to the places and people that bless me? Share in the comments how you’re choosing to be generous, or where you feel challenged to grow.

And if this message stirred something in you, check out the full sermon on YouTube and Spotify.

It’s time to stop building bigger barns and start building a generous life.