“Life is more than food, and the body is more than clothing” (Luke 12:22).

Let’s consider the context. (1) Jesus warned, “One’s life does not consist in the abundance of things he possesses” (Luke 12:15). (2) Jesus told The Parable of the Rich Fool (Luke 12:16-21). This man was rich in the material things of this life. However, he was not rich in what endured. He was not rich toward God. He had no riches beyond this life.

We need material things, like food and clothing, for life on earth. Jesus taught the disciples to pray, “Give us this day our daily bread” (Matthew 6:11).

However, we must not forget that there is more to man than this life, and there is a greater need than material food and clothing. Jesus has said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God'” (Matthew 4:4 cf. Deuteronomy 8:3). Our well-being is linked to our listening to Him. Men hunger and thirst (greatly desire) many things. Some hunger for water. This is a natural, God-given desire. Sadly, some have no desire beyond this basic need. Some have other desires. Some hunger and thirst for position, power, or popularity in this life. Some hunger and thirst for sinful things.

Jesus said, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled” (Matthew 5:6). God has provided a way for man to have a right standing before God (Romans 1:16-17, 10:1-3; Philippians 3:7-9). However, we must desire it. Do we crave a right standing with God more than we do food (Job 23:12)? This is, in reality, about relationship with God. How badly do we want it? Do we hunger and thirst for this relationship? Do we love God this much? “As the deer pants for the water brooks, so pants my soul for You, O God. My soul thirsts for God…” (Psalm 42:1-2).