USE YOUR POSSESSION WISELY

Apostle Paul may be accepted as a reliable authority on social conditions in the early churches he ministered when he wrote. “For behold your calling, brethren, that not many wise after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: ²⁷ but God chose the foolish things of the world, that he might put to shame them that are wise; and God chose the weak things of the world, that he might put to shame the things that are strong; ²⁸ and the base things of the world, and the things that are despised, did God choose, yea and the things that are not, that he might bring to nought the things that are: ²⁹ that no flesh should glory before God.”1 Cor 1:26-29 . Today the situation is different. Some churches, it is true, consist of individuals of humble circumstances. But taking the larger view, many persons of considerable influence, academic advantage and material wealth are numbered among believers. Furthermore, a majority belong to the so called “middle class,” not blessed perhaps with great riches, but having enough income to live comfortably. What has the teaching of Christ on the possession and use of money to say to contemporary Christians? This surely should be one question for which we should seek answer in this study of “USE POSSESSIONS WISELY”. As the Bible teaches us.

MY AIM: To seek the mind of Christ in the use of whatever means with which we have been entrusted by God. Yes, by God, the Giver of all things.

Bible Text:  Luke 12:13-15 – “And one out of the multitude said unto him, Teacher, bid my brother divide the inheritance with me. ¹⁴ But he said unto him, Man, who made me a judge or a divider over you? ¹⁵ And he said unto them, Take heed, and keep yourselves from all covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth “

           

            Solemn statement fell from the lips of the Christ. He began with warning against the hypocrisy of the Pharisees and proceeded to prepare the twelve for the opposition they would ultimately experience. He spoke comfortingly of the unfailing care of the Heavenly Father who watches even over sparrows. Then He called for courageous loyalty when the going became rough, so rough that these men would be hauled before religious and civil courts. In these circumstances, the Holy Spirit would give them words to speak. At this point, apparently, there was an interruption from the crowd.

            Our Lord’s verbal reaction in verse 14 must be evaluated in light of this man’s action. Christ wanted people to understand that life at its best is not dependent on material possessions. That was hard to believe in his day. It is perhaps harder for many to believe today.

            What was the source of this man’s abundant wealth? According to verse 16 it was the ground which brought forth plentifully. His obligation, therefore, was to God who had blessed his crops. But no thought of such indebtedness entered his mind. Had it done so, he might possibly have realized that a good way to say thank you to his divine benefactor would be to share his good fortune with others. But he shut God out and focused his thinking on himself. That made Jesus to turn from the crowds to the twelve to warn them of a different kind of danger. The foolish farmer misused what he had  The foolish Christian may worry about what he does not have. He needs to realize that life is too important to be spent worry thing about food and clothing.

            A statement of Priorities in Luke 12:31-34l, “seek ……..the kingdom of God,” that is strive toward the realization of his will in their lives by submission to his rule, may count on his provision of these things. And what are these things? The basic needs of life like food, drink, and clothing; but not luxuries. The kind of gospel that is often preached physically, or at the altar, promising material successes to those who respond, has no support here. And this type preaching, if it is not carefully preached, takes the mind people out Heavenly teaching.