The Desire to Acquire

If you could have anything what would you want?

Most people could rattle off a list of many things. Many people think that by obtaining certain things that they can gain happiness, importance, or security. When they finally get that one thing that they think will satisfy them, the feeling doesn't last long. Possessions only provide us with temporary happiness. We eventually get bored with our new toys and we want newer and better versions. Just as the happiness is only temporary so is that feeling of importance from having more things. God says that the most important things in life cannot be seen. The feeling of security you may get from having more money or things is a false one. You could lose everything you own tomorrow.

Jesus felt genuine love for this man as he looked at him. "You lack only one thing," he told him. "Go and sell all you have and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." At this, the man's face fell, and he went sadly away because he had many possessions. - Mark 10:21-22

If Jesus asked could you give up your house? your car? your level of income? your current job position?

While we are not all called to give up our possessions, we must not let them keep us from following Jesus. We must remove any and all barriers that keep us from serving him fully.