“To possess God in all, you should possess nothing at all. For how can the heart that belongs to one belong completely to the other?”
John of the Cross (1542-1591) in a letter as recounted in The Quotable Saint ed. Rosemary Ellen Guiley (New York: Visionary Living, 2002) 119.
Whatever we think we own, owns us. No wonder the Apostle Paul echoes Jesus in calling the rich to enjoy and share God’s blessings.
I spent last night with my brother, David, and a few generous friends who testified to the burden of ownership and the freedom of enjoying things without having to possess them.
God, help our hearts shift our affection from stuff to the Savior. Help us “use the things of the world, as if not engrossed in them” (1 Corinthians 7:31a) by the power of the Holy Spirit, in Jesus name, Amen.