That story really hit home to me! Could I ever have the faith and discipline to just let go of all my prized possessions if God asked me to? My home, my furniture, my Precious Moments Collections, my grandmothers dining room set, the computer I am typing on, our big screen television, or my huge Pampered Chef collection in my kitchen. Just give it all away and totally rely on God's provision? As I think about those items, I think some of the hardest to part with have sentimental value opposed to material value. Those precious items still won't be going with me to the grave.
This lesson was very important to me because we are getting ready to sell our house, not to give it up, but to move into a bigger house. I say to myself and others,"We need a larger house". Do we really need a larger house, or do we want a larger house? God is reminding me to be careful to only obtain the things we need, and not to get carried away with the big wants and what everyone else has! We say to ourselves, we deserve more. We have worked hard to get where we are today. God is reminding me that we are here because of Him! He has brought us to this place.
I am then reminded of the story of Mary and Martha in Monica's post "out of obscurity". Mary gave up everything to worship Jesus!
As I am searching through the best how to live life book that I have ever found -God's Word - I stumbled across these well known verses- 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 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."
Anyone have any great words of wisdom to add?
4 comments:
Peg, I think you already have the greatest wisdom, which you quoted already!
We did the same thing a year ago December - move into that bigger house. This is how we look it at, though. We were "blessed beyond belief" that we were able to do it, and in our hearts, we knew that with more room, we were to use it in service to the Lord. We are now small group leaders with our church, and we open our home to that group each week. That's just one way. I'm sure there will be other opportunities to use our home, and (hopefully) we will hear when He calls us to do so.
As far as giving up possessions, especially sentimental ones? That's a tough one. I've never been asked to do it, so I'm not even sure how obedient I would/could be. Ouch! Good thoughts to continue to ponder. :)
No more wisdom...just thanks for the challenge to my clutter. I've pared down, but there's so much more I could give up. Sigh....it's going to be an awesome yard sale at my place this spring!
I struggle with this issue, too. We've had MANY financial struggles and though I've never suffered, really, for what we don't have, I get tired of worn-out furniture and carpets and a house that bursts at the seams with four children, homeschool supplies, and two home businesses! :o) A few years ago, however, the Lord took me through some especially difficult times and I found that I was clinging to things besides God for contentment--material things, circumstances, people. When they were taken away the Lord asked if I still wanted Him even if I didn't get a "yes" to all the stuff I begged for . . .and I finally understood that I want Him more than anything else. It really helped me survive difficult times and release my tight fist on "stuff". (It doesn't mean, however, that I never whine or want better! Thank goodness He has also been revealing how patient, loving and merciful He is!)
BTW, thanks for commenting on gracereign. I'm glad the Lord used my post to help put words on what you, too, have experienced. What would we do without his comfort, my friend?
Hmmm, I am struggling with the "bigger house" thing right now, as we have just a 2-bedroom and I can't for the life of me see how we could add a child to our family until we have a bit more room (not a mansion but maybe one more bedroom). And yet your post brings to mind missionary friends who live in a small apt. with 2 kids. Yeah, how much of what we have do we really need?
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