Putting ‘Stuff’ in Perspective

Things in themselves have no life in them. A car can’t comfort or encourage you. A house means nothing if there’s no life and love inside. Things cannot keep you happy. You may get an emotional thrill when you first buy something, but emotions are fickle. You buy that one thing you think will complete your happiness, but after awhile the feeling goes away and you have to go to the next thing. You just keep going from purchase to purchase looking for the one thing that will finally satisfy. But stuff can’t satisfy. Only God can.

We must remind ourselves that we are stewards, not owners. Everything we “own” should be available to God to bless and minister to other people. I remember a time years ago when somebody gave me a rhinestone bracelet that I thought was really pretty. I just loved that bracelet. After I had it awhile, God started nudging me to give it to someone in particular. I made all kinds of excuses to myself for not giving it to her…her wrist is too thin…she wears gold not silver…and on and on. (It’s so easy to defend our selfishness!)