Matthew Day Nineteen

Matthew 19:21 -

Jesus answered, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.

Observation/Application: I just looked around my office and took a quick mental inventory ... computers, books, furniture, nick-nacks, Colts paraphernalia, my Bible and lots of photos of family and friends.

I wish I could say that if God asked me today to sell it all and give it to the poor, I'd jump right on it. But I have to admit, it would be incredibly hard.

I've grown to appreciate the things I think I need in life ... conveniences that comfort me, tools that improve my work efficiency, technology that connects me to entertainment and the rest of the world.

Thanks to lessons learned from the bondage of past debt, I can honestly say that I'm pretty content with what I do have and don't necessarily want a lot more, but I do enjoy what we have.

My Myers Briggs personality assessment says I'm an ESFJ. That "S" means I gather information and make decisions based on "sensing" things ... touching, feeling, tasting, facts, figures, things that are very tangible. Matt is an "N," meaning he can "intuitively" make a judgment call based on instinct.

I so want to focus my mind on treasure in heaven. I love God so much and beg Him to focus my eyes beyond the tangible -- the things that seem to provide me satisfaction -- and know that the intangible needs (God's love, salvation and peace) bring TRUE comfort, efficiency and connection.

My prayer:
God, Focus my mind and heart on the treasures in heaven. Unlock any hold earthly "stuff" has on my life. Free me from its deception. Amen.

Comments

[Jose]

Very true words. In the last few months I've noticed that I am better able to resist the temptation to buy the latest and greatest "treasure." I thank God for that, since I pledged to Him to be a good steward of His possessions. We're on our way to being debt-free so that we can be free from that bondage. Thanks for your encouraging viewpoint.