The Third Obstacle to an Eternal Agenda: My Possessions1 Corinthians 7:30b
...those who buy something, as if it were not theirs to keep...
Thoughts for Today:[Previously, Paul gave us the second of four obstacles which prevent us from fully committing to an eternal agenda. Today we will take a look at the third: "My Possessions".]
Most people who become overly involved in pursuing the material elements of this world have great difficulty in committing to ministry. They're simply too busy. It doesn't matter whether it's managing an investment portfolio, a demanding career, decorating the home, or dressing in the latest fashion. If we spend too much time on it, we lose our eternal perspective. Certainly we are to be wise stewards of our money. However, dealing with possessions should not preoccupy our thoughts nor dominate our time.
Tithing is a very important aspect of this lesson, and it's for everyone, not just the affluent. How so? Because even if we're not burdened with an abundance of material possessions, many of us spend too much of our time thinking about what we want or don't have. It's the reason tithing is freeing -- we give up a piece of our selfishness, stinginess, and short-sightedness. And it's true regardless of whether we are rich, not so rich, or outright poor. Luke 21:1-3: "As Jesus looked up, he saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury. He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins. 'Truly I tell you,' he said, 'this poor widow has put in more than all the others.'" This lesson was not just for the rich, but an example for the poor as well. Their gift, no matter how small, would still be richly rewarded.
The Lord's desire is not for us to be miserable. His intention is to liberate us from those things that bind us. As we've seen throughout our series this includes: relationships, emotions, and now possessions. The way to freedom is simple: Forget about ourselves and seek the Kingdom of God first.
Questions to Ponder:How do we seek the Kingdom of God? Here are some simple steps: Get involved in ministry at every opportunity; maintain a personal walk with the Lord through study, prayer and fellowship; and enthusiastically serve wherever He places you. Do these things and you will be blessed beyond measure!
...those who buy something, as if it were not theirs to keep...
Thoughts for Today:[Previously, Paul gave us the second of four obstacles which prevent us from fully committing to an eternal agenda. Today we will take a look at the third: "My Possessions".]
Most people who become overly involved in pursuing the material elements of this world have great difficulty in committing to ministry. They're simply too busy. It doesn't matter whether it's managing an investment portfolio, a demanding career, decorating the home, or dressing in the latest fashion. If we spend too much time on it, we lose our eternal perspective. Certainly we are to be wise stewards of our money. However, dealing with possessions should not preoccupy our thoughts nor dominate our time.
Tithing is a very important aspect of this lesson, and it's for everyone, not just the affluent. How so? Because even if we're not burdened with an abundance of material possessions, many of us spend too much of our time thinking about what we want or don't have. It's the reason tithing is freeing -- we give up a piece of our selfishness, stinginess, and short-sightedness. And it's true regardless of whether we are rich, not so rich, or outright poor. Luke 21:1-3: "As Jesus looked up, he saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury. He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins. 'Truly I tell you,' he said, 'this poor widow has put in more than all the others.'" This lesson was not just for the rich, but an example for the poor as well. Their gift, no matter how small, would still be richly rewarded.
The Lord's desire is not for us to be miserable. His intention is to liberate us from those things that bind us. As we've seen throughout our series this includes: relationships, emotions, and now possessions. The way to freedom is simple: Forget about ourselves and seek the Kingdom of God first.
Questions to Ponder:How do we seek the Kingdom of God? Here are some simple steps: Get involved in ministry at every opportunity; maintain a personal walk with the Lord through study, prayer and fellowship; and enthusiastically serve wherever He places you. Do these things and you will be blessed beyond measure!
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