Idon’t agree with those who say that owning stuff and having possessions is evil. And I have to admit that I’m a consumer—often tempted to increase my pile of stuff with items I think I need.

But I do recognise that one of the dangers of owning a lot of stuff is that it can lead to spiritual loss. The more we feel as if we have all we need, the more prone we are to forget our need for God and even our desire for Him. Yet, ironically, everything we have comes ultimately from God, who “gives us richly all things to enjoy” (1 Tim. 6:17).

Sadly, our enjoyment of God’s provisions might just mean that we end up loving the gift and forgetting the Giver. This is why, when God was getting ready to give His people a life in the Promised Land of good and plenty, He warned, “Beware that you do not forget the Lord your God” (Deut. 8:11).

If God has allowed you to enjoy plenty of possessions, remind yourself where it came from. In fact all of us, whether rich in this world’s goods or not, have much to be thankful for. Let’s heed the warning not to forget the Lord and praise Him for His abundant goodness.

Love the Giver more than the gifts!

Author

Joe Stowell

Topics

Our Daily Bread