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Our Stuff

“Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; and anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it." Matthew 10:37-39

Guys love their stuff.  It might be a classic car, a beautiful home, a special set of tools, a fast boat, or some other type of precious possession.  Whatever it is, we don’t typically part with our stuff too easily, much less precious relationships.

When we recall the story of Abraham and Isaac we stand amazed at the fact that Abraham would actually seriously consider taking the life of his only son, for whom he waited 100 years.  To surrender this child was the test given by God.  Why would God ask Abraham for such an overwhelming act of obedience?

Isaac was never in danger but Abraham was.  He could have disobeyed God and held on to his son because he was his prized possession.  God tested Abraham’s heart to identify his true priorities.  Abraham passed the test by placing God’s will and plan ahead of his own desires.  How would we do?

The truth is that Abraham realized that as precious as his son was, he really didn’t own him – God did.  It was God who provided the ram to be sacrificed instead of Isaac.  God was simply asking Abraham, who do you really trust?  God was saying do you trust your own understanding more than mine? 

It’s interesting to realize, we really don’t possess what we have in this life: our homes, our jobs, our toys, our automobiles, or our family.  They are simply entrusted to us for a period of time by a loving God.  After all, He is the author of life, death, prosperity, success, and promise.  I’ve never presided over a funeral where a U-Haul truck was packed with a person’s stuff.

If we follow Abraham’s example and hold on to everything loosely, then we can see God’s plan regarding how our stuff is to be used for His purpose.    The Apostle John said, “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me." John 14:1 

And so my friends, who do you trust with your stuff?  What seems simple isn’t necessarily easy.  In what ways is God asking you to consider relaxing your grip on something you think belongs to you?