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Have you ever ever thought of we’d effectively be possessed by our possessions? Granted, we’re speaking for essentially the most half about inanimate objects fairly than dwelling and respiratory entities.
Let me provide you with a private instance. Upon coming back from a second shorter tour of obligation in Vietnam, I paid money for a brand new car. My dream automobile delivered simply two weeks after my return was a 1968 British racing inexperienced Pontiac Firebird 400 convertible.
I cherished and cherished that automobile. It was my treasured possession and have become an enormous a part of my identification! After a number of costly repairs, I ended up promoting it in 1975 for a paltry $700.
Maybe the rising price of fuel considerably motivated my buy of a extra sensible mode of transportation. Sure, I used to be possessed by that automobile till it turned too expensive to keep up.
Maybe the best literary fictional instance of being possessed by a possession is present in J.R.R. Tolkien’s trilogy, The Lord of the Rings. The character Sméagol, also called Gollum, epitomizes the world’s potential obsession for an inanimate object.
Within the trilogy, we see the misplaced Ring of Mordor turning into the obsessive need of this legendary creature. All Sméagol’s energies are directed towards recovering the Ring at any price. In time, the Ring results in his demise.
We additionally see Bilbo Baggins practically being possessed as effectively. Thankfully, Bilbo was capable of considerably distance himself from the ability of the Ring by preserving it in his vest pocket.
So, what possesses you? Some are mesmerized by treasured stones or treasured metals. Others are enticed by energy, status and the wealth that may comply with.
I might go on and on, however I imagine you get the image. Right here’s the purpose: Any of this stuff can turn out to be so vital that we’ll do virtually something to maintain our treasured possessions in our grasp. God’s Phrase has a lot to say on this topic.
Let’s begin by listening to the phrases of Solomon present in Proverbs 8:9-12: “Select my instruction as a substitute of silver, data fairly than selection gold, for knowledge is extra treasured than rubies, and nothing you need can evaluate to her. ‘I, knowledge, dwell along with prudence; I possess data and discretion.’”
Now there’s an attention-grabbing idea — possessing data and discretion is what’s most precious. This passage from Proverbs warns us to not place our wishes on what appears treasured on the earth.
In Matthew 19:16-22, we learn of Jesus being confronted by a wealthy younger man: “Now a person got here as much as Jesus and requested, ‘Instructor, what good factor should I do to get everlasting life?’ ‘Why do you ask me about what is nice?’ Jesus replied. ‘There may be solely One who is nice. If you wish to enter life, obey the commandments.’ ‘Which of them?’ the person inquired. Jesus replied, ‘Don’t homicide, don’t commit adultery, don’t steal, don’t give false testimony, honor your father and mom and love your neighbor as your self.’ ‘All this stuff I’ve saved,’ the younger man mentioned. ‘What do I nonetheless lack?’”
Right here’s what’s most vital: “Jesus answered, ‘If you wish to be good, go, promote your possessions and provides to the poor, and you’ll have treasure in heaven. Then come, comply with me.’ When the younger man heard this, he went away unhappy, as a result of he had nice wealth.”
What I’ve come to grasp an increasing number of as I face life head on is that this: The issues of this world are actually not that vital. I additionally now perceive that I don’t actually personal/possess any of the issues that encompass me. All of it really belongs to my Heavenly Father.
Allow us to study from Tolkien and God’s Phrase that we should not get caught up within the issues of this world. We should try to attract close to to our Father, His Son and the Holy Spirit. That’s the best possession of all!
Passages to Ponder
— Jim Langley has been writing for greater than 30 years whereas working as a life and medical insurance agent in Santa Barbara. Lately, his ardour has turned to writing about his private relationship with God, and his objective is to encourage others to attract close to to Him as effectively. As a longtime member of CBMC of Santa Barbara (Christian Enterprise Males’s Connection), he began writing Fourth Quarter Strategies columns in 2014, and he now reaches a global viewers by means of the CBMC International devotional Monday Manna. He may be contacted at [email protected] for extra data. Click here for previous columns. The opinions expressed are his personal.
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