Investing in Eternal Relationships: The True Meaning of Life

Devotional

Day 1: The Danger of Trusting in Wealth and Self

The pursuit of wealth and self-sufficiency can be alluring, but it ultimately leads to emptiness and loss. No matter how much we accumulate or how highly we are praised, we cannot ransom our own lives or secure our future through possessions. The wisdom of Scripture reminds us not to envy those who seem to prosper by their own means, for their end is the same as all who trust in themselves rather than in God. True security and meaning are not found in riches or achievements, but in a life rooted in God’s love and purpose. [17:18]

Psalm 49:5-12 (ESV)
"Why should I fear in times of trouble, when the iniquity of those who cheat me surrounds me, those who trust in their wealth and boast of the abundance of their riches? Truly no man can ransom another, or give to God the price of his life, for the ransom of their life is costly and can never suffice, that he should live on forever and never see the pit. For he sees that even the wise die; the fool and the stupid alike must perish and leave their wealth to others. Their graves are their homes forever, their dwelling places to all generations, though they called lands by their own names. Man in his pomp will not remain; he is like the beasts that perish."

Reflection: In what ways have you been tempted to find your security or identity in your possessions or achievements, and how can you intentionally shift your trust to God today?

Day 2: Life Does Not Consist in an Abundance of Possessions

Jesus warns against all kinds of greed, teaching that life’s true value is not measured by what we own. The parable of the rich fool illustrates the futility of storing up treasures for ourselves while neglecting to be “rich toward God.” Our plans for comfort and self-indulgence can be upended in a moment, and all that we have worked for can slip through our fingers. Instead, we are called to invest in what lasts—our relationship with God and generosity toward others. [24:53]

Luke 12:13-21 (ESV)
"Someone in the crowd said to him, 'Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.' But he said to him, 'Man, who made me a judge or arbitrator over you?' And he said to them, 'Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.' And he told them a parable, saying, 'The land of a rich man produced plentifully, and he thought to himself, "What shall I do, for I have nowhere to store my crops?" And he said, "I will do this: I will tear down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. And I will say to my soul, Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry." But God said to him, "Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?" So is the one who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God.'"

Reflection: What is one possession or comfort you are holding onto tightly, and how might you practice generosity or detachment from it this week?

Day 3: Relationships Are Eternal and Give Life Meaning

All the pursuits of this world—wealth, pleasure, fame—fade away, but relationships endure beyond death. The love we share with God and with others is the only thing we carry with us into eternity. Even after loved ones pass, their influence and our connection with them continue, and in God’s kingdom, we are reunited. This is why the greatest commandments are about loving God, our neighbors, and one another. Everything else in life finds its value only as it helps us grow in these relationships, for they are the foundation of a meaningful and lasting life. [27:05]

Matthew 22:37-39 (ESV)
"And he said to him, 'You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'"

Reflection: Who is one person—either in your family, church, or community—with whom you can intentionally deepen your relationship this week, and what specific step will you take to do so?

Day 4: God Calls Us to Heal and Grow in All Our Relationships

Many of us struggle with being “relationship impaired”—whether resistant, dependent, abused, confused, unbalanced, repellent, or complacent. God sees our struggles and offers healing, grace, and growth. He calls us to move beyond our fears, wounds, and habits, inviting us to love and be loved more deeply. No matter where we find ourselves, God always has more for us: more love, more life, more of Himself, and more friends. He accepts us as we are but always calls us deeper into relationship with Him and with others. [35:22]

Philippians 2:1-4 (ESV)
"So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others."

Reflection: Which relational struggle—resistance, dependence, imbalance, or another—do you most identify with, and how can you invite God to help you take one step toward healing or growth today?

Day 5: Loving God, Neighbor, and One Another Is Practice for Eternity

Our acts of worship, service, and fellowship are not just for this life—they are practice for the eternal life we will share with God and all His people. Every time we gather to worship, serve our neighbors, or share life together, we are rehearsing for the joy and unity of heaven. God delights in our efforts to love Him and each other, and He uses these moments to shape us for eternity. Let us not grow complacent, but seek to go deeper in love, knowing that every act of love echoes forever in God’s kingdom. [28:10]

Revelation 7:9-12 (ESV)
"After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, 'Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!' And all the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures, and they fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, saying, 'Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever! Amen.'"

Reflection: How can you approach your worship, service, or fellowship this week as a joyful rehearsal for eternity, and what new attitude or action will you bring to it?

Sermon Summary

This morning, we gathered to remember that life’s true meaning is found not in possessions, achievements, or fleeting pleasures, but in relationships—our relationship with God, with our neighbors, and with one another. The stories of Solomon and the rich fool remind us that even the greatest wealth and success cannot fill the emptiness that comes from a life centered on self or on things that do not last. In the end, all our “stuff” stays behind, but the love we share and the bonds we form endure beyond the grave. Relationships are eternal; they are the only treasures we carry with us into God’s kingdom.

God’s greatest commandments—to love Him with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to love our neighbors as ourselves—are all about relationships. Everything else in life gains value only as it helps us grow in these relationships. That’s why we invest so much in worship, service, and fellowship as a parish family. Our worship is not just a Sunday routine, but practice for the eternal worship we will share in heaven. Our outreach and acts of service are ways we love our neighbors, meeting needs and building connections that God uses to bless both others and ourselves. Our fellowship and shared life together are not just social events, but opportunities to practice the love that will last forever.

Yet, we all struggle with relationships in different ways. Some of us resist closeness out of fear or past hurt; some depend too much on others for our sense of worth; some find ourselves in unhealthy or damaging relationships; others try to fill the void with things instead of people; some focus on one relationship at the expense of others; some repel others without realizing it; and some are simply complacent, thinking we have enough love and connection already. But God calls us deeper. He offers healing, courage, and grace to move beyond our relational impairments. He always has more love, more life, and more of Himself to give us. Let us ask Him to help us love more deeply, to heal what is broken, and to draw us closer to Himself and to each other, because anything else is truly meaningless and chasing after the wind.

Key Takeaways

1. The emptiness of possessions and achievements: No matter how much we accumulate or accomplish, these things cannot satisfy the deepest longings of our hearts. Solomon’s wisdom and the parable of the rich fool both teach that a life centered on “stuff” ends in emptiness, because we cannot take any of it with us. Only what is rooted in love and relationship endures beyond this life. [26:02]
2. Relationships are eternal investments: The only things that last forever are our relationships—with God, with our neighbors, and with one another. These bonds are not just for this life, but continue into eternity, shaping who we are and how we experience God’s kingdom. Every effort we make to love and connect is an investment in something that will never fade away. [27:05]
3. Relational impairments are universal and redeemable: Every person struggles with relationships in some way—whether through resistance, dependency, confusion, imbalance, or complacency. God does not leave us in our brokenness; He invites us to bring our struggles to Him, offering healing, wisdom, and the courage to grow. Our weaknesses in relationship are not barriers, but opportunities for God’s grace to work in us. [31:23]
4. Loving God, neighbor, and one another is a balanced calling: Focusing on only one or two of these relationships leaves us missing out on the fullness of life God intends. True abundance comes from loving God, loving our neighbors, and loving each other in community. When we neglect any part of this triad, we miss a portion of the joy and purpose God offers. [33:26]
5. God always calls us deeper: No matter how close we feel to God or others, there is always more—more love, more connection, more life. Complacency is the most dangerous relational impairment because it blinds us to what God still wants to give. Let us continually seek to go deeper in love, trusting that God’s desire is to draw us ever closer to Himself and to each other. [35:22]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:45] - Announcements and Prayer Requests
[02:30] - Hymn and Opening Worship
[15:59] - Psalm Reflection: The Futility of Trusting in Riches
[17:18] - Gospel Reading: The Parable of the Rich Fool
[24:53] - Solomon’s Wisdom: “All is Meaningless”
[26:02] - What Survives Death? The Eternal Value of Relationships
[27:05] - The Greatest Commandments: Love God, Neighbor, and One Another
[28:10] - Practicing Love in Worship and Service
[29:14] - Outreach and Loving Our Neighbors
[30:12] - Fellowship and Loving One Another
[31:23] - Relational Impairments: Resistance, Dependency, Abuse
[32:31] - Healing from Unhealthy Relationships
[33:26] - The Danger of Imbalance in Relationships
[34:30] - Becoming More Loving and Lovable
[35:22] - The Peril of Complacency and God’s Call to Go Deeper
[36:51] - Prayers for Healing and Growth in Relationships
[38:37] - Affirmation of Faith and Prayers
[43:41] - Blessings, Commissioning, and Closing
[56:05] - Communion and Sending Forth
[68:07] - Benediction and Dismissal

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Luke 12:13-21 (The Parable of the Rich Fool) — > Someone in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.” But he said to him, “Man, who made me a judge or arbitrator over you?” And he said to them, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” And he told them a parable, saying, “The land of a rich man produced plentifully, and he thought to himself, ‘What shall I do, for I have nowhere to store my crops?’ And he said, ‘I will do this: I will tear down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. And I will say to my soul, Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.’ But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?’ So is the one who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God.”

2. Ecclesiastes 1:1-2, 12-14 (Solomon’s Wisdom)
> The words of the Preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem. “Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher, vanity of vanities! All is vanity.” ... I the Preacher have been king over Israel in Jerusalem. And I applied my heart to seek and to search out by wisdom all that is done under heaven. It is an unhappy business that God has given to the children of man to be busy with. I have seen everything that is done under the sun, and behold, all is vanity and a striving after wind.

3. Matthew 22:36-40 (The Greatest Commandments)
> “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?” And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.”

Observation Questions

In the parable of the rich fool (Luke 12:13-21), what was the rich man’s main concern, and what did God say to him about his plans?
According to Ecclesiastes, what does Solomon say about the value of all his achievements and possessions?
What are the two greatest commandments Jesus gives in Matthew 22:36-40, and how do they relate to relationships?
The sermon mentions several ways people can be “relationship impaired.” What are some of these ways? [[31:23]]

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think Jesus warns that “life does not consist in the abundance of possessions”? How does this challenge the way people often measure success? [[17:18]]
Solomon had everything the world could offer, yet he called it all “meaningless.” What does this say about where true fulfillment is found? [[24:53]]
The sermon says that relationships are “eternal investments.” What does it mean for a relationship to last beyond this life? [[26:02]]
The sermon lists different relational struggles (resistance, dependency, abuse, confusion, imbalance, repellent, complacency). Why do you think God allows us to experience these struggles, and how might He use them for our growth? [[31:23]]

Application Questions

The rich fool thought he was set for life because of his wealth, but God called him a fool. Are there things in your life you are tempted to rely on for security or meaning instead of relationships with God and others? What would it look like to shift your focus? [[17:18]]
Solomon’s story shows that even the best achievements and pleasures can leave us empty. Have you ever experienced a time when you reached a goal or got something you wanted, but still felt unfulfilled? How did that affect your view of what really matters? [[24:53]]
The sermon says, “Relationships are the only things we take from this life into the next.” Is there a relationship in your life that you feel God is calling you to invest in more deeply? What is one step you could take this week? [[26:02]]
The sermon describes several “relational impairments” (like resisting closeness, being too dependent, being in unhealthy relationships, or being complacent). Which of these do you most relate to, and what is one way you could ask God for help or healing in that area? [[31:23]]
The greatest commandments are to love God and love our neighbor. Is there a part of this “triad” (God, neighbor, one another) that you tend to neglect? What is one practical way you could grow in that area this month? [[33:26]]
The sermon warns about the danger of complacency in relationships. Are you satisfied with your current level of connection with God and others, or do you sense God calling you deeper? What would “going deeper” look like for you? [[35:22]]
The sermon encourages us to ask God to help us love more deeply and heal what is broken. Is there a specific relationship or situation you want to pray about as a group tonight? [[36:51]]

Sermon Clips

``Stuff doesn't. Play. Pleasure doesn't, monuments don't, money doesn't, power doesn't, fame doesn't, but relationships do. Relationships survive our death. Relationships are the only things we take from this life into the next. Relationships last forever. [00:26:29] (25 seconds) #RelationshipsLastForever

And that's why God's three foundational commandments are all about relationships. Relationships, you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. You shall love your neighbor as yourself and love one another as I have loved you. Everything else in life flows out of those relationships. [00:27:17] (21 seconds) #GodsCommandmentsAreLove

Everything else in life has value and meaning only as it helps us grow in those relationships with God and our neighbors and each other. Anything else other than relationships is meaningless and chasing after the wind. In fact, everything else is meaningless and chasing after the wind. [00:27:38] (20 seconds) #MeaningThroughRelationships

We invest ourselves in loving and worshiping God because we understand what we're doing here on Sunday mornings is merely practice for what we're going to do forever in heaven. When we join our voices with angels and archangels and all the company of heaven to sing holy, holy, holy, Lord God of hosts, heaven and earth are full of your glory. [00:28:35] (23 seconds) #WorshipAsPractice

We work hard at loving one another. We ought to. Since our relationships with each other are everlasting, you know, we're going to be together for a long time. So, it's smart to learn to love each other now. [00:30:00] (17 seconds) #LoveForLongHaul

Some of us are relationship abused. We keep binding ourselves in unhealthy or damaging situations with people who hurt us. God's commandment to love and serve others does not include letting people walk on us or mistreat us. God wants to set us free from unhealthy patterns that bind us to people who hurt us. [00:32:31] (26 seconds) #FreedomFromAbuse

Some of us are relationship confused. We keep trying to fill our lives with stuff or money or power or pleasure or any of those other things that Solomon tried. And that's why God put Ecclesiastes in the Bible, hoping that we would learn from Solomon's mistakes. That wearing ourselves out, working for anything but deep loving relationships is meaningless and chasing after the wind. [00:32:57] (29 seconds) #ChasingWindIsMeaningless

No matter how close we feel to God or to others, God always has more for us, more love, more life, more of himself, and more friends. God always accepts us just the way we are, but he always calls us deeper too, deeper in loving him and our neighbors and each other. [00:35:31] (24 seconds) #GodCallsDeeper

And finally, if any of us are our relationship complacent and think we're okay just the way we are, let's ask God for mercy to break through our complacency and our self -satisfaction and take us deeper in love with him and our neighbors and each other because anything else is meaningless and chasing after the wind. [00:37:45] (25 seconds) #BreakComplacency

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