Monday, March 9, 2020

Looking For Peace In Our Possessions


Then one from the crowd said to Him, ‘Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.’ But He said to him, ‘Man, who made Me a judge or an arbitrator over you?’ And He said to them, ‘Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.’” —Luke 12:13-15

These verses precede the parable about the rich man building bigger barns.  Jesus had been talking to his disciples about spiritual matters when the man asked Jesus about money and civil injustice.  The request revealed a couple of things. First, it revealed the man’s heart.  He was not particularly interested in spiritual matters – what he wanted was what was lawfully coming to him and he wanted Jesus to help him.  Second, Jesus revealed that His purpose was not to be a civil judge – Jesus is the eternal judge – who will separate the sheep and the goats on that day. Jesus knew the man’s heart and the man’s devotion. His heart was devoted to earthly wealth and pursuing his passion – money, possession, and the accumulation of both. 

Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.” – 1 John 2:15-17

It is a part of our nature to lust after these things. The idea that our world will be right if we just have enough money and things.  There is a stream of thought that the proof of God’s blessing is that we have a bounty of worldly possessions.  If your friend was a diabetic and struggled with eating the things that hurt them, why would you offer them the very thing that was harmful to them.

“This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.” – Joshua 1:8

It is in our nature to define prosperity and success in terms of what the world treasures.  Just like Jesus talking to the man about his inheritance, God does not bless us with material wealth so that we can be at peace in our hearts. The peace God wants us to enjoy is a fruit of the Spirit of God that transcends our circumstances. If you pursue possessions as the source of your peace, you will abandon your devotion to the Father.   A couple of verses for you to dwell on today.

Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” – John 14:27

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:6-7

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone

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