The Greater Fool Theory

Well, how do you know you're not one?

I didn't know that the greater fool theory is an actual theory when I saw it on my cousin's Whatsapp status recently. This theory's name itself has the features of a click bait.(For which I am thankful since I now know what it is.)

From reading about it for a while, I understood a few basics about the greater fool theory which has got to do with money investment. Since I don't know how to tell it in a complex manner,(I have too little education on the subject to do that.) here is a story form. You made a bad investment by buying an over prized second hand car. So, you are the fool in the story, since you paid way more than what the car was actually worth. But, imagine I come and buy that car from you for an even higher price? You get a profit and I become the greater fool. You are still able to make money from the bad investment, if you get someone else to make a more foolish investment or in other words, if you find a greater fool.

Devil - The fool.

The devil made a really bad investment when He chose Himself over God. Foolish! Being one of the most magnificent among God's creation, he said - "I will make myself like the Most High."(Isaiah 14:14, ESV). He sinned. He fell. He had become the fool. But He didn't stop there. Ever since, he's been out there, lying to people and getting them to buy his lies. From the first man to us - the list of the "greater fools" is long - really long. When it comes to selling sin, the devil has proved his skills as the best sales man - over and over again. And in buying it, we've repeatedly showed our heart's wicked nature and love for the world along with our foolish nature.

From the first man to us - the list of the "greater fools" is long - really long.

The greater fool, takes very little time to think about the actual cost. In making foolish choices, we too take very little time to think about the cost and consequences. Sin attracts us, and we often fall for the bait without a second thought.

One great fool

In Luke 12, we see a wealthy man who had been a regular customer of the devil's lies. He was obsessed about his wealth and treasures. He had enough for himself and thought he had achieved his goal. He wrongly said, "Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry."(Luke 12:19, ESV) This was what his life was about - have enough money - all for himself, so that he could enjoy all the pleasures of this life or in today's words - a happy retirement dedicated to pleasure. It was his heaven.

We often fall for the bait without a second thought.

He talks to his soul, boasting about the achievement. But soon, he realizes that the goal he achieved was at the cost of his own precious soul. There is a short, but a powerful and eye-opening conversation between God and this man. "But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?'"(Luke 12:20, ESV).

In a moment, everything he boasted about became rubbish - his wealth, savings and riches. The folly of his plans were revealed. In the eyes of God, eternity and his soul mattered. He had indeed become the greater fool. He had paid a huge price for the worthless riches of this world that the devil had offered. And unfortunately, he was left with only a few hours to make things right.

Make wise investments

We often go for the wrong investments when we are unaware of the market and what the prices are. Fortunately, God has not left us to guess work on the matter. A good principle when it comes to making the right investment with our life(in the matter of time, money, talents etc) would be, "What's valuable for God, is valuable for me. What's worthless for God, is rubbish for me.". The rich fool got that wrong. Jesus says about the man that though he laid up treasures for himself, he was not rich toward God.

"What's valuable for God, is valuable for me. What's worthless for God, is rubbish for me."

Here are some quick principles to keep in mind while investing.

• He has put eternity into our hearts because that is what really matters. (Ecclesiastes 3:11)

• God urges His people to constantly seek things above.(Colossians 3:1)

• He tells us to store up treasures in heaven. (Matthew 6:20)

• The chief end of all we do, should be the glory of God. (1 Corinthians 10:31)

• God reminds us that the soul is more valuable than the whole world! (Mark 8:36)

• There is a glory that awaits us, surpassing all the pain and pleasures of the world. (Romans 8:18)

• Godly men and women sought what was eternal. (Hebrews 11)

Fooled all - but One.

The devil succeeded in fooling all but one. Through temptations, offers, questions, doubts, pain and suffering - He tried to get Jesus to buy his deal. Fortunately for us, Jesus never gave in. He had come to die for us, because we were precious to Him. He knew He was here to grant us eternity by paying a big price. Though it took Him to the Cross, He very well knew, that was the right purchase to make. It would be foolish of us to forget the value of our souls for which His precious blood was shed! Let not the devil fool you. Make your life count - in the Eternal One's eyes.

Read

Luke 12:13 - 34

Remember

• The devil is out there to fool us

• The devil appeals to our hearts sinful desires

• Eternity is what really matters

• Having the right value systems helps to avoid the wrong investments

• Jesus is a model for us to follow

• There is much more than this life on earth

Reflect

• Does the greater fool theory apply to me?

• In God's eyes, am I wise the way I am living my life?

• Am I living my life in light of eternity?

• How can I live my life in light of eternity?

• In what areas should I start making changes? (goals / time / priorities / career etc)