Sunday Re-cap 2nd October 2005

Own Nothing, Use Everything
by Samuel Hari

Scripture:
31 Those in frequent contact with the things of the world should make good use of them without becoming attached to them, for this world and all it contains will pass away.
Holy Bible : New Living Translation. 1997 (1 Co 7:30-31). Wheaton, Ill.: Tyndale House.

In continuing our theme on "Exalting Christ", we explore the idea of how can we be in the world yet not partake of it? It's a challenge that Paul addresses in the above scripture. He gives three keys to "those in frequent contact with the things of this world":

1. “should make good use of them”
   -Everything that God gives us has the potential for great good or great evil.
   -We are called to make good use of everything that God gives us i.e. our carriers, jobs, education, children, families, cars, houses, friends, churches, etc.
   -In making good use, we are called not to abuse anything that God has given us.
   -We sometimes abuse the things are not ours and must stop doing so because God expects us to be faithful stewards (Mt 25:14-30).
2. “without becoming attached to them”
   -We must be careful not to go into idolatry and put these things between us and God.
   -Like email “attachments” all attachments can have great potential for good or great evil (viruses). We need a good antivirus program (the Word of God) and a firewall (the Holy Spirit).
   -Some are so afraid of being hurt by attachments that they are unattached at all. God designed us to have good godly attachments that will bring GOOD.
3. “for this world and all it contains will pass away”
   -When we have the right perspective, we will not get attached to the things of this world.
   -The things that we see are temporary but the things that are unseen are permanent and have eternal value.
   -What are we going to be remembered for? As people of prayer and reaching out and loving others or as people who are simply building our own kingdom?
   
   Conclusion
   Jesus owned nothing and used everything. Lets make this our perspective, and we will truly “Exalt Christ” in all circumstances.