By Reverend Wayne Chu

There is a big piece of land in my neighborhood. Developers are planning to build warehouses. I am wondering… During the economic boom in the last ten years, there was a big need for warehouses, so developers were looking for every piece of land to develop. But the process of applying for permits, planning, and preparation all take time. And then the pandemic came and now we are experiencing the economic downturn. The economy has a cycle and it will take time for the demand to pick up again. With all the vacant warehouses around, will the developer still want to continue with the plan?

That reminds me of the parable Jesus taught in Luke 12. The land of the rich man produced plentifully. He enjoys prosperity and feels that he has not enough space to keep his possessions. Therefore, he plans to tear down his old barn and build a larger one. He can keep all his possessions and can enjoy life for many years. But the LORD says. “What a fool! You don’t know you will be taken away tonight!” It is like our situation: when the developers continue to keep building, they do not expect the economic downturn would come so soon. And it becomes more severe than expected, so the warehouses built sit vacant.

Jesus continues to teach us not to worry about the earthly possessions. As many of us would admit that we can donate and clean up all the items which have not been used in our garage. It is true that the temptation of hoarding and the desire to possess more material things will not give us security and satisfaction. Jesus says, “for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions” Luke 12:15. And more than that. Jesus teaches us to seek the kingdom. Store up righteousness, peace, and joy, that is the real treasure both for this life and the next to come.

Riverside Christian Alliance Church meets on Sundays at 10:30am and it’s located at 9640 Jurupa Road, Jurupa Valley CA 92509. You can reached them at 951-360-0113 or visit https://www.riversidecma.org/