Scripture: “So when Jesus heard these things, He said to him, ‘ you still lack one thing. Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.” Luke 18:22
Poor
Earthly possessions are something that we tend to measure the value of our lives by. I guess Amos’ value is less; he has no earthly possessions, nothing. Even the shoes that are on his feet are not his in the strictest sense because I can take those. I have a nice saddle for him, nice blanket and other tack as well. But none of it belongs to Amos. Now when I tack him up to go trail riding he looks sharp. I admit that on a ride I want him to look his best. However, when we get all done for the day and I take all that equipment and put it up, he is only left with his shoes. Funny, he seems glad to be turned lose in his paddock. He doesn’t seem concerned at all with all the “stuff” I had on him. Ownership of stuff means nothing to Amos. Me, well I want that stuff for Amos. But it is just stuff. Amos is content with no stuff and I guess I need to work on that attitude for me.
The scripture above is a true warning to us. When the ruler asked Jesus “what shall I do to inherit eternal like?” he was not pleased with the answer. His possessions were many and he measured success by what he owned. We need to make sure that our possessions do not stand between us and are search for eternal life. Our possessions, all of them, must belong to God. If what we own belongs to God then He wants us to use them to fulfill His purpose for our lives. We need to be willing, like Amos to be able to walk away from them if God asks us to.
Prayer Thought: Lord, help me to look in my heart today and make sure all that I have belongs to you.
10 comments:
Yep, I like this post muchly!
What a great blog! I used that "next blog" button thingy at the top of the page and found you. :-) I love Amos. I too need to work on that need for stuff. Didn't Jesus tell us not to worry about what we would wear or eat and he would take care of us? LOL
I am going to follow you! Hope maybe you will follow me back.
Our only important possession is love. We need food, and a roof over our heads, to stay alive. We need love to live.
The more we live with love, the more we feel we are loved, the better our lives get.
All the stuff we buy are just toys, some nice and shiny, but none essential to living. Except bacon of courses. I can't imagine living in a world with no bacon.
Michelle - the question really is how do you measure self-worth? Self esteem? By the things you possess or that you belong to the King?
He loves me - He cares for me - that's what matters. He gives each of us talents and gifts - such s your ability to use your hands to create and design - but what if he allows that to fail? What if you get arthritis and can't do that? Do you smile and say thats okay. I am a child of the King? We need to work on that and trust him to take care of us.
You have an informative blog. I’ve learned something from it. I do have mine too www.claire-fernandez.blogspot.com... Thanks
Ed, you are so right, we need love to live! The rest is stuff.
Alisha - Thank you! Amos "was" a great horse. HE died in late April. But I had many a good rides with that boy! I will check out your blog!
Claire - Welcome! I have actually been blogging since the summer of 2006. I was to your blog earlier today.
Thanks for visiting my blog. God is always good. I like your blog very much.
Claire
Wow papa. This is a beautiful challenge. :) Even living on a preacher's salary, I forget that we have much more than most people in this world. I need to let my life be tempered by that reality.
Mandy - I really don't think we get this. I am harder on myself than others because I know I need to work at it. I think HE wants us to serve him with a passion. It is a "MUST" not "I should".
I love mama - its not my duty to love her, its a passion, a must!! Others define our must.
I need to ask Linda at Prairie Flower Farm if she has been here. I am so happy I came over. Your writing is always so thought provoking and you really know your Scripture. Thanks for sharing. I need to re read the Book of Amos. Take care Anne
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