A man in the crowd said to Jesus, "Teacher, tell my brother to divide with me the property our father left us."
Jesus answered him, "My friend, who gave me the right to judge or to divide the property between you two?" And he went on to say to them all, "Watch out and guard yourself from every kind of greed; because a person's true life is not made up of the things he owns, no matter how rich he may be."
Then Jesus told them this parable: "There was once a rich man who had land which bore good crops. He began to think to himself, I haven't anywhere to keep all my crops. What can I do? This is what I will do,' he told himself; 'I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, where I will store all my corn and all my other goods. Then I will say to myself, 'Lucky man! You have all the good things you need for many years. Take life easy, eat, drink, and enjoy yourself!' But God said to him, 'You fool! This very night you will have to give up your life; then who will get all these things you have kept for yourself?' "
And Jesus concluded, "This is how it is with those who pile up riches for themselves but are not rich in God's sight." - Luke 12 v 13 - 21
Life seems so unfair! Awful things happen to the good guys, while the baddies seem to have it all there own way. It's enough to destroy any faith I might have in natural justice. It's not just that the bad guys don't get what's coming to them. They are the ones who really seem to get on! They even seem to be happier and healthier than the rest of us. They get off with their crimes and they laugh at the law. They even laugh at God - and he does nothing about it!
It's all so unfair. It's enough to make me wonder if it's worthwhile even trying to be good! There's no justice! Or is there? When I stop to think about time and eternity, then I begin to see a glimmer of light. These people may prosper in the short term - perhaps even for the whole of their lives here on earth. But then what? Perhaps they are the fools after all.
I am really being stupid when I envy those who seem to have it made. When I think what I have in my friendship with you, Lord, I start to get things into perspective. I am always with you and you hold me by the hand. You teach me and guide me all the way through life. At the end of this life you will receive me with honour. What else do I have in heaven but you? And having you, what else could I possibly want on earth? I know I am only mortal and I won't be around on earth for ever. But when this mortal body of mine finally fails me, you will receive me and give me new strength and a new life. And that is all I ever need!