Yesterday, we were asked what our most important possession is. Today, let’s discuss all our possessions. Are there any of our material possessions that we are unwilling to give up? Is there at least one prized possession we want to hold on to forever?
I remember being a child and hearing my Mom and Grandma talking about what to save if our house ever caught on fire. They agreed the most important possession, other than us kids, to get out of the house were pictures. Why? Pictures capture memories.
Setting priorities are important. As much as we may not like it, discussing what to do if a disaster occurs is important. We should be prepared. In the case of my Mom, all the pictures were in albums and were all located in one place. They could quickly be picked up and taken out of the house. Some of us may have a plan for a disaster. But many of us probably don’t.
A rich man approached Jesus to ask what he must do to inherit eternal life. Jesus listed off several of the ten commandments. The man stated he had done all those. Jesus then told him he lacked one thing; he must sell his possessions and give the money to the poor. The man was saddened because he had many possessions.
Jesus was not saying we must sell everything we own. He was looking into the heart of the rich man and saw that the man had made his possessions more important than obeying God. Though the man had done everything commanded from an outward perspective, his heart was not committed. Are we like the rich man? Do we do what makes us look good but fail to commit fully to God? We can learn the lesson from this encounter with Jesus. He desires our heart, not rote behavior that makes us look good to others.
I pray we all take time to set priorities. I pray we know that all our possessions will disappear. I pray each one of us will fully commit to Jesus rather than allowing our possessions to own us. Set priorities. Commit your heart to Jesus. Make Him your number one priority.
Mark 10:21-22 Jesus, looking at him, loved him and said, “You lack one thing; go, sell what you own, and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.” When he heard this, he was shocked and went away grieving, for he had many possessions.
Marty Pressey 