The culture of the United States revolves around excess. As a nation, we want to have more than what we need. Advertising constantly tells us we need more and more. Dreams of bigger houses, more income, more notoriety, and as of late more toilet paper fill the minds of many. All in all the culture we live in is obsessed with having a stockpile stored up behind them.
Like many other things, our view of excess must change when we become Christians. Scripture paints a very clear picture of where possessions should stack up in the life of every believer. Christians are told to be content with what they have because God is enough. We are told not to love the things of this world. Instead we are to be generous with what we have. In fact, according to the Bible, an unwillingness to give from one’s excess cause questions to rise of if God’s love is truly in that person.
Hebrews 13:15 (ESV)
15 Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name.
1 John 2:15 (ESV)
15 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
Acts 20:35 (ESV)
35 In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ”
1 Timothy 6:18 (ESV)
18 They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share,
1 John 3:17 (ESV)
17 But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him?
The first church lived a life that completely aligned with those verses. As well as the many others that speak to the call placed on all believers to live a life of generosity. We are told that they sold land and possessions. Not just to amass great wealth but to use the money to help those in need.
Acts 2:44–45 (ESV)
44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common. 45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need.
Acts 4:32–35 (ESV)
32 Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common. 33 And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. 34 There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold 35 and laid it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need.
They chose to do these things because they could see how insignificant it was to have an abundance of stuff while others were in need. The first church did not simply listen to the teaching of Jesus about storing treasure on earth. They actively lived it out and made sure to store up their treasure in Heaven. Choosing to let go of the things they had obtained that they once thought was so important.
Matthew 6:19–21 (ESV)
19 “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, 20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
The point of this article is not to say that every Christian should sell all that they have and give it all away. The issue does not lie with having things or even some nice things. The issue is the way we view our possession and the unwillingness many have to give up even a little to help someone who is truly in need.
Excess can act as an anchor in our lives. Holding us firmly to earth on the day the Lord comes for His church. Many who believed they lived a worthy life will be amazed to look back and see an anchor holding them back. One made from property, cars, bank accounts, and all the excess that they had given the highest priority in their lives.
The disciples gave up everything to follow after the Lord. Scripture tells us that they received their reward for doing so. Nothing was going to hold them down. But we also read about a young man who had great excess. He wanted to know what was required of him to receive eternal life and only one thing stopped him. His unwillingness to let go of his possessions which in turn become his anchor.
Matthew 19:27–29 (ESV)
27 Then Peter said in reply, “See, we have left everything and followed you. What then will we have?” 28 Jesus said to them, “Truly, I say to you, in the new world, when the Son of Man will sit on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 29 And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands, for my name’s sake, will receive a hundredfold and will inherit eternal life.
Matthew 19:20–22 (ESV)
20 The young man said to him, “All these I have kept. What do I still lack?” 21 Jesus said to him, “If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” 22 When the young man heard this he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.
The truth is that it would be wise for every Christian living in the US, myself very well included, to take inventory of what they have stored up here on earth. Asking questions do I have excess in my life? More than I need that I could give up to truly bless those in need? Chances are many of us have more excess than we realize in our lives. Things that we simply don’t need or never use. That could truly benefit someone else or be sold to allow us to meet a need.
Let’s take the time now to look at our lives and make sure that there is not an anchor lurking behind us. It’s so important that we see any issue that could keep us from Heaven now while we can address it. Because there won’t be time on the day Jesus returns to give it all away. Don’t be one of the many who will be anchored down by what they wouldn’t let go of. Let go and be ready for the day you ascend.
Support this ministry by sharing our article on your social media. We want to reach the world with biblical truth, but we cannot do that alone. By sharing our content you become a partner with us and help to get our inspired content before the eyes of even more people. Thank you for supporting us in this way and God Bless!
Visit Justin’s personal website Here. Or see articles from other writers we feature Here. Also, be sure to stop by our prayer wall.