How Much Land?

It is a story told by Russian author, Leo Tolstoy. Some experts even consider this the best story ever written. It is called “How Much Land Does a Man Need?”

In this story, Tolstoy described Pahóm, a man who had “gained much land.” As Pahóm was being praised by a civic leader, one of the man’s servants sensed that something was wrong, ran up to Pahóm, and discovered that he was dead.

While others expressed pity, “his servant picked up the spade and dug a grave long enough for Pahóm to lie in, and buried him in it. Six feet from his head to his heels was all he needed.”

Many people spend their lives in pursuit of land or riches. Power or pleasures. The Bible describes such a man, who “had everything a man could desire” and denied himself “no pleasure.” But, looking back on his life, he realized that all of this was meaningless and not worthwhile. He was just like Pahóm in Tolstoy’s story.

Paul illustrated this principle when he reminded us that “we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can’t take anything with us when we leave it” (1 Timothy 6:7). Yet many people still focus their energies on temporary things like these.

All of us face decisions about our lives and priorities, and how we spend our time and resources. Jesus asked us to consider these issues carefully: “What do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul?” (Matthew 16:26)

Today, ask God to help you evaluate your life. Seek to invest in the things that will last into eternity.