Possessions

Possessions are only temporary. It's in the Bible, Leviticus 25:23, TLB. "And remember, the land is mine, so you may not sell it permanently. You are merely my tenants and sharecroppers!"

We shouldn't allow our possessions to possess us. It's in the Bible, Matthew 6:24, NIV. "No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money." Luke 12:15, NIV says, "Then He said to them, 'Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions."

Possessions aren't necessary for being happy and content. It's in the Bible, Philippians 4:12-13, TLB. "I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of contentment in every situation, whether it be a full stomach or hunger, plenty or want; for I can do everything God asks me to with the help of Christ who gives me the strength and power."

It is unwise to worry more about our own possessions than the house of God. It's in the Bible, Haggai 1:9, TLB. "You hope for much but get so little. And when you bring it home, I blow it away—it doesn't last at all. Why? Because My Temple lies in ruins and you don't care. Your only concern is your own fine homes."

We should share our possessions with those in need. It's in the Bible, Acts 2:44-46, TLB. "And all the believers met together constantly and shared everything with each other, selling their possessions and dividing with those in need. They worshipped together regularly at the Temple each day, met in small groups in homes for Communion, and shared their meals with great joy and thankfulness."

(c) 2024 Banning Seventh-day Adventist Church.