Life Is More than Stuff

Then [Jesus] said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.”
Luke 12:15

It is reported that the storage industry in America tallied just over $59 billion in revenue in 2024. Our country currently has over 52,000 self-storage facilities. Of all the storage units in the world, a staggering 90 percent are in the United States. These statistics seem to say several things about Americans: One, we are blessed! God has given many of us more than we need. It is important that we do not forget the one who gave us such a surplus of material possessions. Two, we like stuff. It seems we cannot get enough of the things of this world. Three, we have a problem letting go. We hang on tightly to our possessions.

What effect does this “abundance of possessions” have on us? While it is not inherently wrong to have so many things, today’s Bible verse reminds us that life is not about how much stuff we can pile up. In fact, having so much time, effort, and money invested in our possessions can be a dangerous thing. These statistics demonstrate that our culture is focused on answering the wrong question. Rather than thinking about how much we can get in this life, we ought to be pondering a much more serious question. That is, “What will happen to me when I leave this world?” There will come a day for each of us when it is time for us to face the almighty God. No amount of possessions will save us then.

Life is not about possessions. Rather, life is about knowing and believing in Jesus. His life was not about the things of this world. The only things he had was what he could carry on his back. He was not here to accumulate stuff but to live and die as Savior of the world. His sacrifice in life and death has set us free from sin and death and given us the gift of heaven—a gift far better than any stuff this world can offer. It is also a gift that will last forever.

Prayer:

Dear Jesus, you are my greatest possession. Help me to keep you at the center of my life. Amen.

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