A Worthy Obsession
It is amazing how obsessed we are with being obsessed with
things. How often we obsess over our homes, dietary habits, workout routines,
appearances, and children. And though these are not unworthy causes, they are
hardly worthy of the frantic energy we throw into keeping them alive? Are we expending more energy to the care and
feeding of our earthly obsessions than we are in storing up heavenly treasures?
Somewhere in the frenetic pace of our lives we have forgotten
the words of Jesus in Matthew 6:19-21, “Lay not up for yourselves treasures
upon earth…but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven…For where your
treasure is, there will your heart be also.” (KJV) No interpretation necessary. So I have to
stop and ask myself where my treasure is. Is it in good health, social status, and my
shoe closet? Or is it hidden with Christ
in God?
Remember the story of the rich young ruler (Mark 10:17-22) who
just wasn’t able to let go of his obsession with possessions in order to follow
Jesus. He seemed so desperate to inherit
eternal life. He came to Jesus searching to ensure he would
gain it. He was doing so much right. But
when he was told to abandon the earthly treasures and start storing up heavenly
ones by giving the earthly ones to the poor, he couldn’t do it. He walked away.
I find that story astonishing. You likely do too. How could
anyone just walk away from eternal life?
Then I catch myself thinking more about the 300th pair of
shoes I want instead of the kids that don’t have shoes at all…and I realize
that it’s not that hard to get sidetracked with possessions. In truth, I don’t need the new shoes,
the brand name foods, the gym membership, or new throw pillows. My job is to adequately care for my family and actively help the needy.
It’s as simple as that. As simple
as being obsessed with the things Jesus is.
So I’m busy growing again. Learning to be obsessed with the things Jesus
was--lost souls, loving my neighbor, portraying Christ, being concerned with
the needy. It’s not easy. I don’t come
by it naturally. Every day I have to
rein myself in and make myself prioritize properly. In that light, I pray that I will be overtaken
by Jesus from the inside out. I pray
that his love will flow through me and affect those around me for him. I pray
that I will be obsessed with making a difference for Jesus. Most of all, I pray that I will become possessed
by God’s obsessions.
Are you obsessed with possessions or does Jesus possess you
to the point that his obsessions are yours?
