January 26, 2016

Loosen Your Hold On Worldly Things

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." -- Matthew 6:19-21

 

I’ve got too much stuff. Most of us do. We accumulate things and then lose track of what we have. It’s not like we need it or, in some cases, even want it.

I’ve been going through stuff and throwing out or donating items I no longer need or want. I’ve discovered items I forgot I had. I’m finding things and wondering why in the world I ever saved that particular clipping or scrap of wood or fabric.

Isn’t that what we do? We keep everything. We keep the clothes we haven’t worn in years because one day we might fit in them again or they might be fashionable again. We keep knick knacks for no reason. We hang on to outdated phones and electronic gadgets. It’s just what we do.

Others who are less fortunate could wear those clothes. Someone else could use some of our stuff. But we are stingy. We are selfish. We are determined to keep close what belongs to us forgetting that really it all belongs to God.

What’s worse I think is that we waste money buying unnecessary items that we just have to have right now. Sometimes we go into debt so we won’t have to wait. Then we don’t care about the items two days later. It was the wanting that hooked us. The need to fill an empty space inside. A space that only God can fill.

We focus on things rather than what’s really important. Somehow all those things -- especially those with certain labels -- makes us better people. They don’t. We’re still sinners who fall short of the glory of God.

Loosen your hold on the things of this world. Seek first His kingdom. God will take care of all your needs and bless you beyond anything you can imagine.