Blog 2663 – 02.12.2023

Often What We Own Owns Us

In the parable of the rich farmer, the farmer says to himself, “I will tear down my barns and build bigger barns to hold all the fruits of my labors.” Jesus continues the tale by having God interrupt the farmers plans of amassing more property and wealth by saying to him, “You fool, tonight your soul is required of you, now to whom shall all theses things belong.”

In Disney’s Pocahontas the copper skinned princess sings, “You think the earth is just a dead think you can own, but I know every rock, and tree, and creature has a spirit has a name.”

I am thinking of another Jesus quote, “Where your treasure is there will your heart be also.”

The American dream we are told is to play by the rules, to work hard, to be able to afford a piece of property and a home, where we can raise a family. The true treasure one possesses is within, the light, the life, the soul. This is who we truly are not the things we own or the things we allow to own us. It is nice to have a comfortable nest in which to rest, to feather, and to foster our family in, yet we all have a tendency to get caught up in the ideal of ownership and prosperity when the people we love and who love us are far more important than property.

Jesus again warned us of worrying too much and setting too much store in things. He even told a rich young ruler once who came to him and wanted to be his follower, “Go sell all that you have and give to the poor, then come and follow me.” Jesus knew how easy it is to allow the things we own to own us and to keep us from the real treasures of life. Paul wrote that all things are ours to enjoy but not to allow ourselves to be owned by anyone or anything. He also warned in this regard when he wrote, “Neither a borrower nor a lender be, owe no one anything but to love another.”

Jesus concluded the rich farmer parable with the line, “What shall it profit anyone to gain the whole world and lose their own soul?”

Your friend and fellow traveler,

David White

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1NYiVjmvfg1QrnOzoC0GgcMFHaFECGfSY/view?usp=drivesdk

You Belong To Me