1 John 2:15-18 It’s Just STUF’N
John warns us not to get too attached to things of this world. They don’t last and they have no lasting value.
I don’t know about you but I like having good clothes and a reliable car. They don’t have to be top of the line but they have to be something that makes me feel good. As I write this the Spirit it speaking loudly to me! I was not putting down the REAL words that were popping up in my spirit, like “nice” clothes or “make me feel proud.” Those are the words that should have been used for my current attitudes. And those attitudes are WRONG!
But I don’t want to feel embarrassed by the clothes I wear or the car I drive. I don’t want to have people look at me as “the poor street urchin.” Choosing to have nothing of any value can also be just as prideful as desiring the best of everything. It’s all about the attitude.
It’s not about what you have but your attitude about it. It’s all just stuff, or STUF’N. Stuff To Use For NOW. The things of this world won’t last. Everything breaks down or wears out some day. “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:19-21).
What do you put your heart into? Looking perfect in the mirror every moment or reaching your hand out to the hurting person and getting your “hands dirty”? Or maybe it is getting “filthy in the trenches” so others will notice you. Who are you trying to impress? Is it God or is it man?
I believe the last two questions are where the whole issue lies. Clothes, cars, houses, and all the other trappings of this world are just tools. They don’t last and they have no eternal value. If you use them as tools for God’s Kingdom then they have value, for the job they are doing. If you use them to build yourself up they WILL fail you.
The things of this world are not to be your treasure; they are only to be your tools. Treat them as such. Don’t pour your heart and soul into things than will fail you. Instead use the blessings He gives you, no matter how big or small, to make a difference in this world. Love HIM not the gifts He gives.
Father God, forgive me for my prideful attitude. Nothing I have is worth ANYTHING when compared to You or my brothers and sisters. I appreciate ALL the gifts You have given me but I NEVER want them to get in between us or between those whom You love. Help me keep everything in its rightful place. It is all just STUF’N! No eternal value and only good for using for You. Help me want You Jesus more than ANYTHING!
