Eat, drink and be merry

There was an occasion when someone cried out to Jesus, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me,” (Luke 12:13). Jesus used this moment to speak about the evils of covetousness (verse 15). He then told a parable about a rich man (verses 16-21). Let’s consider all of these verses to see what Christ wants us to learn.

Jesus spoke of a successful farmer. His barns were full, and he did not know what he was going to do with his entire crop. He decided to pull down his barns and build bigger ones. He was pleased with this plan and intended to congratulate himself once everything was stored: “Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years; take your ease, eat, drink and be merry,” (verse 19). God then spoke: “You fool! This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be which you have provided?” (verse 20). Jesus offered a conclusion: “So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God,” (verse 21).

This poses several questions for modern Christians:

• Is it wrong to build up a “nest egg” or retirement fund?
• Is it wrong to enjoy life by eating, drinking and being merry?
• Is it wrong to be rich?
• Should people with earthly success feel guilty?

These questions miss the point of Christ’s teaching. The purpose of the parable was to deal with covetousness (verse 15). Having established the necessary context, let’s explore why Jesus said it was foolish to eat, drink and be merry.

Consider this – it is foolish to eat, drink and be merry when…

There is work to be done

When Jesus warned about covetousness, He made the point that one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses (verse 15). There is much work to be done, and our Lord made it clear that the laborers are few (Luke 10:2).  People often think that this means there are not enough Christians. That is true, but Christ is specifically calling for faithful followers who are willing to work – many Christian just wants to eat, drink and be merry. We must all consider what truly brings us satisfaction. Jesus wants us to enjoy doing spiritual work, not completing the work so we can rest. Think about that.

You live to eat, drink and be merry

Have you noticed how non-Christians often “live for the weekend”? They cannot wait to eat, drink and be merry. This is often why they work. In contrast, Christians should not consider their lives “great” because they get to eat, drink and be merry! Such thinking is foolishness. Christians have many important tasks at hand - resisting temptation continually, visiting the sick, comforting the sorrowful, helping the fallen, and encouraging the weak. These tasks might not be “fun” in the earthly sense, but Christians find deeper joy in these things than they do when just eating, drinking and being merry (Matt. 5:4; James 1:27; Matt. 25:41-46). 

More is not enough

Eating, drinking and being merry can create an obsession. In other words, the more one gets of these things, the more they want them. Soon, the person cannot get enough. Like a drug addiction, these people become unhappy whenever they are not spending their time in fun and frolic. People who live this way will not be able to truthfully speak as Paul did: “Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content,” (Phil. 4:12).

                                                                                        Chuck