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What to do with your stuff

The Theology of Enough

We need contentment to relate correctly to money and, in a similar way, to possessions. The rules here are simple:

1. God comes first and possessions come second. [Well, people come second…but I am pulling this quote a little out of context, so go easy on Mr. Swenson]

2. Possessions are to be used, not loved.

~ RICHARD SWENSON, Margin

I love simple truths. But sometimes it’s hard to live them out.
Can we today? Will we?

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8 comments:

Amy @ Hope Is the Word said...

I have this book but haven't read it. I think I need to. Thanks, Lisa!

Barbara H. said...

I don't know if I'd agree that possessions aren't to be loved -- thinking of things like a wedding ring, photo album, etc. -- but they certainly should be kept in their proper place in the scheme of things, with God and people coming before them.

Looking forward to the wedding photos!

Bobbi said...

I read this book a long time ago...looks like I need to read it again...sort of forgot that was in there!

Lisa notes... said...

Barbara,
I guess it all depends on what definition we are using at the moment for “love”. We can use the word in so many different ways. There are lots of things that I would also say I “love”—like the things you mentioned—but looking closer, I “love” them because of the people that I associate them with…

Now my love for fried foods or chocolate or… I can’t as easily justify those “loves.” Ha.

Katie said...

I just read about "enough" in another book.

floyd said...

That's a great reminder. Interesting how we can take the gifts from God and slowly over time with even more blessings from Him, we slowly turn the gifts into our idols. We spend more time worrying about the protection and provision instead of worshipping and showing honor to the One that provides it. The flesh is easily over taken I'm afraid. The only way is to seek HIm constantly. We always need a reminder, Thanks for yours today.

Lisa notes... said...

Floyd,
“…slowly turn the gifts into our idols.” Funny how that creeps up on us. It seems so natural to protect our “stuff” when it’s all God’s anyway to do with what he wants. I’m praying for more open hands instead of clinched fists.

bekahcubed said...

I like that second point, although I also see Barbara's comment about "loving" stuff.

I'm thinking of how often I can love stuff without ever using it, without ever really enjoying it--which ends up being a double loss for me. I give my adoration to something other than God, and I don't even enjoy what I adore. How much better to love God through the use of my "stuff" for His glory?

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