Giving Up Our Possessions

Luke 14:33
So then, none of you can be My disciple who does not give up all his own possessions.

At first glance, this is a scary verse. Last time I checked, I still possess a lot of stuff. I’m pretty sure all of you reading this do as well. Does this mean we are not saved?

No, it doesn’t. It is a great example, however, of the extreme importance of interpreting scripture, with scripture. You must read the entire Word of God if you truly want to understand it, as God wants it understood.

Matthew 6:19-21

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

Luke 12:34
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

What God wants from us and what Jesus was teaching is that it is our heart that He seeks.

Do your possessions own you? Are you more concerned for them than you are for your spiritual wellbeing? Do you prefer spending time with your possessions than you do spending time in prayer, Bible reading, and in serving God?

If so, then you might want to reevaluate where you stand in God’s economy.

Jesus asked the rich, young ruler in Matthew 19:21 to give up everything literally. Jesus knew that the man had no interest in giving Him his heart, he just wanted to reap the benefits of salvation. So, Jesus gave this test knowing it would reveal to the man, his own heart. That’s why the man went away sad and grieving. His wealth was more important to him than Jesus and His kingdom.

The question to ask of ourselves is this; does Jesus have our heart?

Matthew 6:33
But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

Studies in the Psalms - Psalm 49

Money is the perceived key to everything in this life. It has been said often that money cannot buy happiness. Maybe not. But it sure can buy a lot of stuff that is fun and can give temporary happiness, or at least provide a nice distraction from your troubles. But there is one thing money cannot buy; eternal life. The psalmist in Psalm 49 gives us a lesson in the folly of making money an idol or in worrying about others who have it.

Psalm 49:1-4

Hear this, all peoples! Give ear, all inhabitants of the world, both low and high, rich and poor together!  My mouth shall speak wisdom; the meditation of my heart shall be understanding.  I will incline my ear to a proverb; I will solve my riddle to the music of the lyre.

The rich have a lot of power in our world. And they often use it to control people through that power. But the psalmist reminds us not to fear them.

Psalm 49:5-6
Why should I fear in times of trouble, when the iniquity of those who cheat me surrounds me, those who trust in their wealth and boast of the abundance of their riches?

And why not?

Psalm 49:7-9
Truly no man can ransom another, or give to God the price of his life, for the ransom of their life is costly and can never suffice, that he should live on forever and never see the pit.

Death is coming to all. The old saying “you can’t take it with you is true.”

Psalm 49:10-12
For he sees that even the wise die; the fool and the stupid alike must perish and leave their wealth to others.  Their graves are their homes forever, their dwelling places to all generations, though they called lands by their own names.  Man in his pomp will not remain; he is like the beasts that perish.

Death is permanent. Where you end up afterward is an eternal dwelling place. Heaven or hell. You can deny the existence of hell, but that doesn’t change its reality.

Psalm 49:13-14
This is the path of those who have foolish confidence; yet after them people approve of their boasts. Selah  Like sheep they are appointed for Sheol; death shall be their shepherd, and the upright shall rule over them in the morning. Their form shall be consumed in Sheol, with no place to dwell.

Where is your confidence? In money or in Christ?

Psalm 49:15
But God will ransom my soul from the power of Sheol, for he will receive me. Selah

It may seem the rich and powerful are in control, but God is sovereign. He has placed us where we are. There is no reason to fear the rich.

Psalm 49:16-20
Be not afraid when a man becomes rich, when the glory of his house increases.  For when he dies he will carry nothing away; his glory will not go down after him.  For though, while he lives, he counts himself blessed —and though you get praise when you do well for yourself—  his soul will go to the generation of his fathers, who will never again see light. Man in his pomp yet without understanding is like the beasts that perish.

I leave you with a simple truth from the very mouth of Jesus. Follow it and you shall not only spend eternity with God, you will also have everything you need to live this life in joy.

Matthew 6:33
But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

Thank you Jesus.