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August 4, 2017

Don’t Let Stuff Own You

I planned on digging deep into a different message today but my mind couldn’t get off of this one. I recently heard the words “Don’t let stuff own you.” When you hear that it could mean something different to other people.

In Luke 18:22-24 Jesus is talking to a rich man about things he must do to deserve eternal life. He tells him not to commit adultery, murder, steal, and testify falsely. Jesus also told him to honor His father and mother. There was one thing the man had not done. Jesus told him, “Sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”  But when the man heard it he became very sad because he was rich.

Some may look at this and ask if that means it’s a sin to have possessions? No. What Jesus saw was the man’s heart. The man loved his stuff more than he did Jesus. It’s okay to have stuff, but it’s not okay to let that stuff own you. That “stuff” is really anything you’re putting more focus, time, worship and love into more than God.

Yesterday I took a social media break, which was surprisingly a lot easier than I thought it would be. As a stay at home mom I use social media a lot because of blogging and it’s my way of connecting with grown adults all day. I love connecting with you all! I do give it to much focus and time though and that’s something I would like to start cutting back. I’d catch myself picking up my phone and opening Instagram and Facebook. I even commented on a status then realized “wait no! I’m taking a break from this today.” Once you detach yourself from something you realize how much unnecessary time you put into it. I don’t want do this to be “religious” but because I need to readjust my focus that’s been out of whack and I want to go deeper in this relationship with Jesus. Out of whack focus would lead me to just that. This is a time to take Jesus more seriously.

Hey, were all human. God knows we are not experts at this thing called life and trying to figure things out the best way we can. It’s apart of the journey. The word “refreshment” has been on my mind and that refreshment starts with a heart check.

It’s all about the heart. You can own stuff, but be careful of letting stuff own you because it takes away the focus on what should come first.