Biblical Answer

The Biblical View of Possessions

In the Bible, possessions are not inherently sinful, but rather a means to an end. As Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 7:25-40, "I wish that all were as I myself am. But each has his own gift from God, one having one part and another having another." (ESV) The key is not the possession itself, but how we view and use it. As Jesus said in Luke 12:15, "Beware, and be on your guard against every form of greed; for not even when one has an abundance does his life consist of his possessions." (ESV) Our possessions are not to dominate us, but rather we are to use them to serve God and others.

The Christian's Relationship with Possessions

Christians are called to live a life that is characterized by contentment and trust in God's provision. As Paul wrote in Philippians 4:11-12, "Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need." (ESV) This does not mean that we are to reject the blessings of God, but rather to view them in light of eternity. As Jesus said in Matthew 6:19-20, "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal." (ESV) Our true treasure is in heaven, where we will inherit a "better possession" that is "abiding" (Hebrews 10:34, ESV).

The Importance of Priorities

Ultimately, our priorities must be in line with God's priorities. As Jesus said in Matthew 10:37, "He who loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and he who loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me." (ESV) Our possessions, whether material or immaterial, must not take precedence over our relationship with God. As Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 3:21-23, "So let no one boast in men. For all things are yours, whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas or the world or life or death or the present or the future—all are yours, and you are Christ's, and Christ is God's." (ESV) Our true possession is God himself, and our relationship with him is the greatest treasure we can have. We must not let our possessions dominate us, but rather use them to serve and honor God.