Self-Sufficient Isolation

In May of 2017, Arnold Schwarzenegger gave a commencement speech at the University of Houston. He told them, 

“None of us can make it alone. None of us. Not even the guy that is talking to you right now. …

“[Don’t ever call me a self-made man.] I didn’t make it that far on my own. I mean, to accept that credit or that medal, would discount every single person that has helped me get here today, that gave me advice, that made an effort, that lifted me up when I fell… The whole concept of the self‑made man or woman is a myth.” 

It’s not that our hard work and intelligence don’t matter. But so much of what happens isn’t just about us. We are all connected, working with others and impacted by others.

But you wouldn’t know that if you listened to the rich man in today’s parable. Now nothing indicates he made his money by any ill means- he didn’t cheat, or steal, or anything like that. The problem comes from the rich man’s perspective. Did you hear how he speaks? Let me read that section once again: “[the rich man] thought to himself, ‘What should I do, for I have no place to store my crops?’ Then he said, ‘I will do this: I will pull down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. And I will say to my soul, Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.’”… The only time the rich man says “you”, he’s still talking to himself!

Where are the others? Where are the relationships? This rich man has isolated himself- he never mentions how this abundant harvest will help his friends, his community, or even his own family. After all, God asks rhetorically, “Who is going to get all this stuff you hoarded for yourself?” As Rev. Dr David Lose noted in his commentary:

“There is no evidence that there is anyone else in his life, anyone else he should care about, anyone else who might have contributed to or benefit from this bountiful harvest. Instead, confronted with the blessing of an abundant harvest, all he can think of is what he should do to make sure he gets the most out of it so that he can live comfortably into his old age.

“…perhaps because of this narcissism – the farmer falls prey to the notion that he can secure his own future. That he needs no one, depends on no one, and can go it alone. Which is why God calls him foolish. Because, in the end, not only is he not immune to death, but he will die alone, and all that he has stored up will not comfort or protect him, nor will it go to others who loved and respected him and can put it to good use, but instead it will all turn to dust in the wind.”

Are we buying into the myth that we can make enough, do enough, that we won’t have to depend on anyone else? That myth that we got here on our own, and owe no one.

Community and relationship is what the gospels promote. Jesus sends 70 disciples out in pairs to towns without being allowed to pack extra, but with someone beside them on the journey. A law expert attempts to distance himself from an unworthy “neighbor” and Jesus tells the story of the Samaritan who helps the man on the side of the road, showing us what it means to love our neighbor, to be loved by our enemy who is our neighbor, and that everyone is our neighbor. And the man who is focusing on inheritance more than a relationship with his brother is told the story of the rich fool who viewed possessions as more important than people. 

Instead of hoarding earthly treasures, we are told to be rich towards God. This means being in relationship and community. Colossians tells us to shrug off so many things that negatively impact our relationships with others: selfish desires like greed, malice, slander, abusive language, and lying. Instead, we are to clothe ourselves in compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.

As Schwarzenegger says later in his commencement address, “as soon as you understand that you are here because of a lot of help, then you also understand that now is time to help others… Make sure that it is not about me. That it is about ‘we.’” We are all part of communities: this church, our area, our nation, and the world, as well as communities of people with a similar passion or goal. We live in these communities, and are called to connect with those we might not otherwise see as neighbors.

So, where can you live into those relationships this week? Welcoming a new family in the neighborhood, spending quality time with your own family, spending time volunteering to help others; giving of your time, your energy and talents, and your resources. Let’s remain open this week to where God might be calling us to live into our calling as the body of Christ within the various communities of those who are like us as well as those who are incredibly different.

Thanks be to God. Amen.

*Resources for this sermon include:

Rev. Dr. David Lose, “Pentecost 11 C: From Isolation to Community” https://www.davidlose.net/2016/07/pentecost-11-c-from-isolation-to-community/   

Tod Perry, “Arnold Schwarzenegger's speech on why he's not a 'self-made man' shows why we all need each other” Upworthy. 9-1-22 https://www.upworthy.com/arnold-schwarzenegger-s-speech-on-why-he-s-not-a-self-made-man-shows-why-we-all-need-each-other

Rolf Jacobson, Karoline Lewis, Mat Skinner; “#1035: Eighth Sunday after Pentecost (Ord. 18C) – August 3, 2025” Sermon Brainwave. https://www.workingpreacher.org/podcasts/1035-eighth-sunday-after-pentecost-ord-18c-august-3-2025