Possessions...
Matthew 19:16-22
16 A man approached Yeshua and said, “Rabbi, what good thing should I do in order to have eternal life?” He said to him,17 “Why are you asking me about good? There is One who is good! But if you want to obtain eternal life, observe the mitzvot (teachings/commands).”18 The man asked him, “Which ones?” and Yeshua said, “Don’t murder, don’t commit adultery, don’t steal, don’t give false testimony, 19 honor father and mother and love your neighbor as yourself.” 20 The young man said to him, “I have kept all these; where do I still fall short?” 21 Yeshua said to him, “If you are serious about reaching the goal, go and sell your possessions, give to the poor, and you will have riches in heaven. Then come, follow me!” 22 But when the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he was wealthy.
The bolded words above are once again from the Torah. The Ten Commandments.
I'm beginning to ponder on the words, "love your neighbor as yourself." There are two types of people in the this world. Those who think only of themselves and their thoughts and feelings, and those who constantly give to others and lose who they are in the process. Both extremes are dangerous.
When God taught us to "love ourselves" I don't believe it means to do so as a prideful action. There must be a balance with how we love ourselves and take care of ourselves. There must be a balance with how we then share that love with others.
The understanding of money is the same. I don't believe Jesus meant that money was wrong. People must be able to earn a wage and share that with others. Jesus was once again bringing balance to the world. Possessions are not bad. Holding on to the possessions, when we know they will not be with us always, is bad.
Trying to find balance is/can be a struggle. Wanting to move forward and strive for greater things is not wrong. Jesus told the disciples to go out and change the world. In order to change the world one must have the resources to do that.
Jesus also said, "Why are you asking me about good?" This man thought that he could have eternal life by being "good." Just doing the commands was never God's plan. Even in the Old Testament He spoke of hearts needing to be in right alignment with His. Even in the Old Testament He spoke of repentance. Actions are important, but they are not the basis of gaining eternal life. God has ALWAYS looked at the heart.
These verses once again show us that God's heart and intent is for us to find HIS balance and walk in it. Love ourselves, but then share that love with others. Find and gain resources to make a difference, but then use it to make a difference.
It means being willing to give things up for HIM. It means being willing to lay aside our thoughts and plans for His. it isn't easy, but He gives the strength to walk it out.
Find a way to hear His heart today. Find a way to let HIS ways bring balance to your ways. What possessions do you need to release so you can walk closer with Him today?
Love and blessings,
Rose
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