Then the ruler said, “I’ve kept all of these things since I was a boy.”
When Jesus heard this, he said, “There’s one more thing. Sell everything you own and distribute the money to the poor. Then you will have treasure in heaven. And come, follow me.” When he heard these words, the man became sad because he was extremely rich.
When Jesus saw this, he said, “It’s very hard for the wealthy to enter God’s kingdom! It’s easier for a camel to squeeze through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter God’s kingdom.”
-Luke 8:20-23
Do we own our stuff or does it own us? While Jesus never passes judgment on either wealth or poverty, he does point out that the accumulation of things usually indicates attachment to things. And we are not meant to carry things with us into the kingdom of God. [hear sermon audio]
This week, take some time to go deeper. Use these scriptures and questions to reflect in your devotion time.
Texts to read:
Questions to ponder:
- When have you let possessions define who you are to yourself or to others?
- How many things in your house have not been used in the last 6 months? The last year?
- How does your relationship with stuff affect your relationships with others?
Do and share:
- Take a less stuff challenge: Try to go 1 week without buying anything other than food. Keep track of the things you think you need and how you got around buying something. #lessstuff
- Choose an area of life you need to simplify. Give away unused clothes, Stop eating out, Give up coffee shop coffee. Share your story in our Facebook group or on Twitter (@dpumc). #lessstuff
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