Luke 12:16-26

16 Then he told them this story: "The farm of a certain rich man produced a terrific crop.
17 He talked to himself: 'What can I do? My barn isn't big enough for this harvest.'
18 Then he said, 'Here's what I'll do: I'll tear down my barns and build bigger ones. Then I'll gather in all my grain and goods,
19 and I'll say to myself, Self, you've done well! You've got it made and can now retire. Take it easy and have the time of your life!'
20 "Just then God showed up and said, 'Fool! Tonight you die. And your barnful of goods - who gets it?'
21 "That's what happens when you fill your barn with Self and not with God."
22 He continued this subject with his disciples. "Don't fuss about what's on the table at mealtimes or if the clothes in your closet are in fashion.
23 There is far more to your inner life than the food you put in your stomach, more to your outer appearance than the clothes you hang on your body.
24 Look at the ravens, free and unfettered, not tied down to a job description, carefree in the care of God. And you count far more.
25 "Has anyone by fussing before the mirror ever gotten taller by so much as an inch?
26 If fussing can't even do that, why fuss at all?

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Published by permission. Originally published by NavPress in English as THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language copyright 2002 by Eugene Peterson. All rights reserved.