You Can’t Live in a Blanket Fort – August 8, 2025

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Read: Luke 12:13-21

[Jesus] said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.”

Luke 12:15

You Can’t Live in a Blanket Fort

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

In one house lived three siblings: Emma, Lucas, and Maya. And just like many brothers and sisters do, they sometimes got into fights over toys or forts or towers they built.

One day, Emma worked really hard to build an awesome blanket fort using chairs, pillows, and big blankets. It was the perfect hideout! But before long, Lucas came running through the room and knocked it over—and Emma started crying. Maybe something like that has happened in your house, too.

Why did it feel like such a big deal? Because when someone works hard on something, it feels really special. But to someone who didn’t build it, it’s just a pile of blankets.

Guess what? Grown-ups can act that way too—but in more grown-up ways. They don’t cry about forts, but they might get really upset about losing money, their car breaking down, or not making enough at work. They might not yell, “My fort!” but they still get frustrated.

Jesus once told a story about a rich man who saved up lots of money and built up barns to hold it all. He thought he was safe and happy. But then—God told him he would die that night. And everything he saved would go to someone else.

The point? Money and stuff don’t last forever. They can’t protect anyone from everything. They can’t save a person from death. But Jesus can.

So, what should people think about money?

Money is helpful, sure. But it’s not the most important thing. Here’s a great way to think of it: Money is like a blanket fort. It’s fun to build. It’s nice to have. But it won’t last forever. And that’s okay—because Jesus will.

Prayer:

Dear Lord, help me not to be jealous when others have more money or nicer things. Remind me that we can’t take those things with us when we die. Teach me to trust in you, because you give me what really matters. Amen. (based on Psalm 49)

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

• Have you ever built something that got ruined—like a tower or fort? How did you feel?


• What’s something that can never be taken away or destroyed?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• What’s one blessing a family might enjoy because of the money God has given them?


• What’s one way someone could use money to bless or help someone else?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Why might people feel really safe or proud because they have money?


• Can anyone think of a time when money couldn’t fix a problem? What helped instead?

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