"pak Khom" (How Much Land Does A Man Need?"

"Pak Khom" (How Much Land Does a Man Need?"

Here, we look at the story of a man named Pakhom, a Russian farmer who always felt he did not have enough land. He believed and was convinced that if he had enough land, his life would be secure and he would no longer have to fear anyone, not even the devil. However, his excessive desire only led him to trouble. This is a story by Leo Tolstoy.

Initially, Pakhom only wanted enough land to support his family. But every time he acquired a piece of land, his desire for more kept increasing. He bought land from his neighbors, then from landlords, and kept seeking opportunities to expand his holdings.

One day, Pakhom heard about an opportunity to obtain a huge amount of land from the Bashkir people. The condition was that he had to run around the land he desired from sunrise to sunset. All the land he could cover in a full day would become his. Pakhom was very excited and agreed to the condition.

On the appointed day, Pakhom started running in the morning. The farther he ran, the greater his desire to own more land. However, as the sun was about to set, Pakhom realized he had gone too far and had to return to the starting point before the sun completely set. He ran with all his strength, but exhaustion and his ambition caused him to collapse and die just as he reached the starting point.

At the end of the story, Pakhom only needed a piece of land measuring two meters by one meter for his grave. This story serves as a warning about the dangers of greed and the insatiable desires of humans. Tolstoy uses this story to criticize materialism and the endless desire to accumulate wealth.

This story is very relevant to life today. There are many people referred to as the "Lying Generation"—lying in bed, lying in hotels, lying in the living room while playing with their cellphones—but they want to live a successful life with lots of money. Pakhom’s story teaches us that greed and insatiable desires will only bring destruction to oneself. Tolstoy wants his readers to understand that true happiness does not come from excessive material possessions, but from a simple and grateful attitude toward life.

1 Timothy 6:6-10

"Godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs."

What Can We Learn for Christian Life?

1. Gratitude and Contentment

As Christians, we are taught to live with gratitude for what God has given us. Contentment and gratitude are the keys to a peaceful life, not the pursuit of unlimited wealth or possessions.

2. The Danger of Greed

Greed can distance us from God and trap us in worldly desires that are never satisfied. We must be careful not to be ensnared by the desire to accumulate more and more wealth.

3. Life’s Priorities

God wants us to prioritize His kingdom and His righteousness, not the pursuit of worldly wealth. True happiness comes from a relationship with God and with others, not from material things.

4. Use of Wealth

The wealth we have should be used for good and for the glory of God, to help others, and to build a life that is pleasing to Him.

Conclusion

Pakhom reminds us to live with gratitude, avoid greed, and always rely on God as the true source of contentment.

1 Timothy 6:6-10 is very relevant as a guide for a wise and simple Christian life.

One question to reflect on is:

"How much land does a man need? Six feet from his head to his heels was all he needed."

Medio, June 19, 2025

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