First of all, I urge you to stop whatever it is that you are doing (well keep reading my blog, and then stop), and go read Anything. Seriously one of those changes how you think about everything books.
But if not, here is a synopsis (Part 1) for you:
Don't allow yourself to get caught up in the "stuff" of this world....
It is too easy in this country for blessings to become
rights, for stuff and money to call the shots in our lives, and before we know
it, God’s gifts have replaced God himself. We live in a materialistic world. We are told to keep up with the Jones's. We have to buy the perfect, little (actually big) house. Drive the shiniest SUV. Carry the newest model of every technological gadget at all times. Every one wants their share of the American Dream, right? We deserve to have a good life, right? Why would God bless us if He didn't want us to enjoy it??????
The more we build everything “just right”, the more
protective we get of it. Soon that shiny car is parked at work more than its parked in our own driveways. That big house has so much room that we no longer spend time together as a family. And that new social media app on our new phones takes up all of our free time, replacing any time once spent with God. We build our lives to look the way the world tells us they should look, with no regards to the way God says they should look. And because of that, we suffer.
"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 moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
Matthew 6: 19-21
We control because we are afraid to let go. Do we really
think we are better captains of our lives than a God who sees everything and
deeply loves us??? Having our share of the American Dream makes us feel in control. We are a contributing part of society. We talk the talk, and walk the walk....but for who? And for what??? It is so hard maintaining our own lives, keeping up with everything/everyone else. Eventually, we hit a breaking point and realize what we so often forget. We are not the captains of our own ships. GOD IS IN CONTROL.
"What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul?" Matthew 16:26a
There is another normal.....it is invisible and forever and it doesn't fall down. God's plan for our lives is eternal....everlasting. It doesn't involve hoarding earthly treasure. It doesn't involve comparing ourselves to others. In fact, God calls us to take up our crosses daily to follow Him. When we trust in God, He provides for our every need. Oh, what a blessing it is to know that.
"So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." Matthew 6:31-33
Redemption changes the goal. It is no longer to gather but to give. God has already redeemed us from the things of this world, and He will continue to rescue us from the desire of material things each and every day when we call on Him. Our lives are to be so much more than materialistic. We bless no one when we gather, but we can bless our beautiful Jesus when we give.
Does this mean that I am going to go sell all of my possessions today? No. But I will be open to that possibility if that is something the Lord calls me to. I want my devotion to the Lord to be demonstrated by already answering "yes" before the question is even asked....
Samantha
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