We’re meant to use possessions and love people, not love possessions and use people.
In Matthew Chapter 6, Jesus spoke:
19 “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal;
20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.
21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
A treasure is a storehouse or depository in which good and precious things are collected and laid up for future benefit. A treasurer is a person appointed to administer what is in the treasury.
In Luke chapter 12, Jesus spoke:
29 “And do not seek what you should eat or what you should drink, nor have an anxious mind.
30 For all these things the nations of the world seek after, and your Father knows that you need these things.
31 But seek the kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added to you.
32 “Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.
33 Sell what you have (your possessions) and give alms (give to the poor); provide yourselves money bags which do not grow old, a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches nor moth destroys.
34 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
Do you treasure things or people? Isn’t that the real question? FATHER treasures people and gladly provides for them as they seek The Kingdom. Unconditional Love focuses on people and not possessions.
How many of us have “stuff” laying around gathering dust when there are less fortunate people who are in need of those things? The U.S. has a huge number of storage units for people who continue to accumulate possessions and have used up all the storage space in their homes. Their “treasures” are gathering dust and rust as the poor continue to be in dire need.
FATHER is not against us having a savings account. The issue is our focus on obtaining excess at the expense of others. This is where it becomes critical to be led by THE SPIRIT and give according to what The Holy Spirit directs.
Paul wrote by THE SPIRIT in 2 Corinthians chapter 8:
8 I am not saying this as a command [to dictate to you], but to prove, by [pointing out] the enthusiasm of others, the sincerity of your love as well.
9 For you are recognizing [more clearly] the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ [His astonishing kindness, His generosity, His gracious favor], that though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, so that by His poverty you might become rich (abundantly blessed). AMPL
Jesus did not lay up treasures on earth but gave Himself that we might become rich. He is our perfect example of Agape Love when it comes to laying up treasures which cannot be corrupted. He was not enslaved by possessions as many are today but His focus was on ministering life to others. Each of us must ask the question: What is more important, “things” or people? After all, FATHER gave HIS Son for people, not earthly possessions.
Our priorities should be set on simplification for the kingdom of God, not accumulation for our own earthly kingdom!
In Matthew chapter 13, Jesus spoke:
44 “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and hid; and for joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.
There comes a joy when we get the revelation of giving to those in need. We have the satisfaction of being used by FATHER to be a blessing to those who are less fortunate. Let each of us assess where our treasure is stored.