Do you have things, or do they have you?

When we “have” things, we own them. We control them.

But when things “have” us, they own us. They control us.

Consider the man in Mark 10:21-22: “Jesus looked at him and loved him. “One thing you lack,” he said. “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” At this the man’s face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth.”

Material possessions can get in the way of discipleship. In fact, the Bible shows us that they are an ongoing stumbling block to trusting, loving and serving God.

Makes sense. How can we focus on GOD’S kingdom when we’re just focused on OUR kingdom?

That’s why our relationship with things should be tentative, and seen as a tool for faithfulness rather than selfishness.

We may have things, but they don’t have us—or, at least, they shouldn’t.

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Notes:

–“Coping with our broken illusion of control.” This is an article I put together which was published this week by The Gospel Coalition Canada. What if a silver lining of this difficult time was a brave letting-go of our lust for control? Click here to read it.

–The Up Devotional is published 5 days a week (Monday-Friday) and returns on March 8, 2021.

–Bible quotes are from the NIV.