Possessions Can Be A Pain
I am blessed with a few possessions of my own. I must confess that some of these possessions seem to own me instead of me owning them. For example, my truck needs tires rotated, brakes, checked, oil changed and fueled often to keep running. Most of my possessions require me to do things to maintain them. Don’t misunderstand, I’m not ready to sell my truck just because it needs attention often. It does serve me by getting me from point A to point B or point Z. The issue comes when I’m in love with my possessions at the expense of relationships. I know people who struggle financially and have some fancy possessions because they are likely trying to impress others with their possessions.
In God’s economy, the love of possessions can dramatically damage my relationship with God. In fact, Matthew records an incident that happened when a rich man came up to Jesus and asked, “What good deed can I do to inherit eternal life?”. Jesus’ answer astounded all who heard it. This event gives perspective to God’s view of possessions. Check this out…
21 Jesus told him, “If you want to be perfect, go and sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”
22 But when the young man heard this, he went away sad, for he had many possessions.
30 But many who are the greatest now will be least important then, and those who seem least important now will be the greatest then. (Matthew 19:21-22,30 NLT)
This story reveals that following Jesus is not about position and possessions. Following Jesus is about being more than doing. My “doing” comes from a place of “being”. I want to serve and do for the Kingdom of God because I make it a point to spend time in my life being with Him.
I am a huge fan of The Chosen – the story of Jesus found in the App Store or on Google play. Matthew was likely a wealthy Jew because he was a tax collector. I find it interesting that he records this story as he likely gave up his life of possessions and money to follow the Messiah.
Possessions can be a distraction from what is most valuable.
Possessions can possess me.
Possessions can become and end in themselves.
Possessions can be used to serve and bless others.
I should hold loosely to my possessions and tightly to my hope in eternal life. Eternal life is the “big ball” that I should keep my eye upon. My possessions will stay behind when my time here on earth is done. I want my life and the way I manage my possessions to reflect what I believe about God and His Promise of eternal life. This is way easier said than done and I’m a work in progress.
Pressing On!
Dwayne