☑️ Our priorities as Christians?

Hey friends! I’ve been reflecting a lot lately on what truly matters, especially after reading through Cathy’s post about our Christian priorities. It really hit home when she highlighted the difference between 'what we think our priorities should be' and 'what they actually should be.' And honestly, for many of us, the idea of a 'list of possessions' can sneak up pretty high on that first list, even if we don't consciously mean for it to. It's so easy to get caught up in wanting more – the latest gadget, a bigger home, fancier clothes. I know I’ve been there! I remember a time when I was constantly comparing what I had to what others seemed to possess, feeling like I was always chasing something. The OCR image 'What we THINK our PRIORITIES should be: ... Possessions' really resonated with me because it’s a common trap. We work hard, and we want to enjoy the fruits of our labor, which often means accumulating things. But then, as the article points out with Matthew 6:33, Jesus tells us to 'seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.' This verse completely shifts the perspective on our 'list of possessions.' It’s not about abandoning everything we own, but rather about where our heart truly lies. Are we owned by our possessions, or are we stewards of what God has entrusted to us? This question has been a game-changer for me. When I started viewing my belongings – my home, my clothes, even my car – not as things I own outright, but as resources God has blessed me with, my entire mindset changed. It's about being grateful for what I have and being willing to share it, rather than constantly striving for the next big thing. The Bible has so much wisdom on this. Beyond Matthew 6:33, I often think of verses like Matthew 6:19-21, where Jesus says, 'Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth... But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven.' This isn't just about money; it's about investing our time, energy, and resources into things with eternal value. When God is truly number one on our priority list, as the OCR image 'What our PRIORITIES should ACTUALLY be: 1 GOD, 2 Family, friends, work, possessions' suggests, our attitude towards 'possessions' naturally falls into place. They become tools for God's glory, not idols that consume our focus. I’ve found that practically, this means regularly re-evaluating my spending habits, decluttering my home, and looking for opportunities to give. It’s a continuous process, not a one-time fix. Instead of asking 'What else do I need?', I try to ask 'How can what I have be used to serve God and others?' This shift has brought so much freedom from the pressure of consumerism. It allows me to truly cherish my relationships with God, family, and friends, and even find more contentment in my work, knowing that my ultimate treasure isn’t in the things I accumulate but in my walk with Christ. It's a journey of constantly reminding myself that while possessions can be a blessing, they should never overshadow the blessed Giver. What about your journey with possessions?