What Owns You?

Is there anything in this world that owns you? You know, something like a job, a relationship, or the pursuit of things. Last week I spent time looking at the familiar story of the Rich Young Ruler and it occurred to me that his issue was that he never saw the things that his money and position gave him from the perspective of stewardship.

Matthew 19:20 The young man said to him, “All these I have kept. What do I still lack?” 21 Jesus said to him, “If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will havertreasure in heaven; and come, follow me.”22 When the young man heard this he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.

He did not see that it was God who blessed him, but he felt he had earned it all himself. Since he saw his "stuff" as his and what he alone had accumulated, he could not let go of it. The very thought of giving it up made him sad. This reality proves that his stuff "owned" him - That is why he could not let them go. Is there anything that possesses you?

If we don't see things in light of stewardship - meaning that what we have has been given to us from the Father of Lights (James 1:17), we will hold onto them as if they give us life. We must get to a place when we can let go of anything from our spouse, our kids, our job, our car, or our money. They all belong to Him.

What also stood out to me about him was Jesus invitation. He was invited to come and join Jesus in going throughout Israel ministering to people and extending the Kingdom of God on earth. He chose the security of things as to a life near Jesus. Can you think of anything more sad than wanting to be near our stuff compared to depth of a life in the circle of Jesus and the disciples?

**Instead of seeing God as great, he sees his possessions as greater.**

Let us all not make this tragic mistake. Life is found when we are owned by King Jesus.