Double Trouble
We live in two kingdoms — our spiritual kingdom and our material kingdom. We can find ourselves attempting to straddle these two kingdoms, one foot planted in each even as they drift apart, leaving us facing double trouble. The Bible offers several metaphors to expose this contradictory double life.
Being Poor in Spirit While Rich in Things
As Americans, we live in the richest nation in the world. Because we are surrounded with degrees of material prosperity, the idea of being poor in spirit presents us with an extraordinary challenge and an opportunity that can prove either powerful or destructive. How are we supposed to be poor in spirit while being rich in things?
How Does the Love of God Abide in Him?
First John 3:17 says, …whoever has the world’s goods, and sees his brother in need and closes his heart against him, how does the love of God abide in him? Ouch! Does this mean that unless we use our material possessions to meet people’s needs, John is calling our love of God into question?
Do You Love the World?
The Bible gives us four flashing “caution lights” that warn us we might have gotten into a love affair with the world: when we are never quite satisfied with what we have; when the things we own end up owning us; when worry about losing “things” disrupts our inner peace; and when our longing to be there is diminished by our affection for what we have here.
A Blazing Fire
The same material possessions that can produce a destructive outcome both now and for eternity can also produce abundant blessings in this life and the next. If we see material possessions as an end in themselves, they will consume us. If we see them merely as a means to an end—a way to bless others—they will actually greatly enhance our life.
Slave or Master
Our material possessions are our modern-day slaves of which we are to be the rulers. So who is the servant and who is the master in your world? The answer may not be as clear or as obvious as we might like to think.
Are You Trading Up or Trading Down?
Should we not be reminded of what Jesus said about trading up and not trading down? In Matthew 6:19-20 He tells us in this amplified quote, Do not [trade down] for yourselves treasures on earth [in the Inanimate World]…. But [trade up] for yourselves treasures in heaven [in the Spiritual World].
All Things in Common
The book of Acts is an historical book that gives us an invaluable glimpse into the life and times of the early church. If what we see in this book were carefully studied, it could serve as a compelling blueprint for how Jesus intended for His church to live and fellowship together.
What Is My Relationship to My Stuff?
“Stewardship” might just be one of the most misused biblical terms in the Christian vocabulary. If we were to poll a cross section of Christians and ask them what the word “stewardship” means, the overwhelming majority would say it has something to do with money and giving. This is partially right and partially wrong. And as my grandmother told me growing up, “If something is partially wrong, it is all wrong.”
Are You Living Like a Bucket or a Pipe?
Are you living like a bucket or a pipe? A bucket is designed to hold things. A pipe is designed to convey things through it. The bucket holds what it receives, while the pipe passes on what it receives. In regard to the material possessions that God has entrusted to you, are you living like a bucket or a pipe?