Biblical Answer

The Christian View of Possessions

The Bible teaches that Christians should view possessions in a way that reflects their relationship with God. In 1 Corinthians 7:25-40, Paul writes that our possessions are not ours to keep, but rather a temporary trust from God. He encourages believers to be prepared for the end times, when all earthly possessions will be left behind. This eschatological perspective helps Christians to see their possessions as not being their own, but rather a means to an end – serving God and living for Him.

In Matthew 10:16-42, Jesus instructs His followers to be prepared for persecution and to not be encumbered by possessions. He emphasizes the importance of dependence on God for provision, rather than relying on material wealth. This includes not only material possessions, but also the pursuit of earthly honors, position, and advancement. Jesus is not advocating for a complete rejection of private ownership, but rather a recognition that our possessions should not dominate us. In John 13:29, Jesus and his disciples used their possessions to buy food and give alms, demonstrating that private ownership can be used for the benefit of others.

The Christian view of possessions is not one of rejection, but rather of perspective. As 1 Corinthians 3:21-23 states, "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 of Christ, and Christ is of God." Our possessions, whether material or immaterial, are a means to an end – serving God and living for Him. The inheritance that Christ has secured for believers is a better possession than any earthly one, because it is lasting and involves eternal life with God. As Christians, we should view our possessions in light of this greater inheritance, and seek to use them in a way that reflects our love for God and our dependence on Him.