In my opinion, this world is quite a mess! By the headline of this commentary, you might imagine I place the blame on personal pronouns.
No, but the overuse of “my and mine” is certainly symptomatic. It’s as if our emphasis pivots on our possessive nature.
Through the decades I’ve observed the human tendency to accumulate things over and above our basic survival needs to habitually transform what we want into perceived necessities.
The more we have, the more we want.
There’s nothing wrong with innovation and improving our lifestyle, but do we really need the latest generation of smart phone? Do we really need a new vehicle every two or three years? How about procuring the latest entertainment gadgets as soon as they hit the market?
We’re inundated with consumerism and many “lust” for whatever catches their eye.
It’s as if our possessions become our identity. The Bible clearly speaks to this whole issue of possessiveness.
Jesus was confronted by a rich young man (possibly more than one incident). This account is presented in all three synoptic gospels (Matthew, Mark and Luke).
In the Book of Mark, John Mark tells the story perhaps as seen by the Apostle Peter. The account is found in Chapter 10: “As Jesus started on his way, a man ran up to him and fell on his knees before him. ‘Good teacher,’ he asked, ‘what must I do to inherit eternal life?’”
After some dialogue regarding his following the Ten Commandments, Jesus stopped him in his tracks in verse 21: “Jesus looked at him and loved him. ‘One thing you lack,’ he said. ‘Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come follow me.’”
Verse 22 is quite telling. “At this the man’s face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth.” He was unwilling to give up his possessions in return for eternal rewards.
Jesus is not asking us to sell all we possess and give it to the poor. What He wants us to understand is we really don’t own anything.
All we have is provided by Him for us to care for and oversee. And, I believe He gives bountifully to those who are good stewards of those provisions.
We came into the world naked and we’ll leave the same way. We take nothing with us.
Chapter 25 in the Book of Matthew covers this stewardship principle quite well.
With the proper attitude regarding those who willingly follow Him, we can live a content life without being caught up in the cares of this world. God amply provides for all who love Him.
Let me close with the words of the Apostle Paul presented in Philippians 4:12:
“I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.”
Then, in verse 13, he proclaims, “I can do everything through him (Christ) who gives me strength.”