What does it mean to own nothing but have everything? Doesn’t that contradict itself? Nothing and everything are opposites, right? What if I said, I gave up everything to gain everything. Wait, still sounds a bit contradicting and now even confusing… Let me explain, let me tell you about my God.
Everything today points to having to own the best, newest, and greatest the world has to offer. We are brainwashed into thinking we need the brand-new iPhone, the latest technology, the 2018 car that just hit the lot, and clothing that fits the latest fashion trends. We want, and want, and want. We are never satisfied and are always left wanting more.
Well, that’s because those things are not sufficient enough to satisfy that want, that need, that desire. They might ‘awe’ you or bring you temporary happiness but soon you’ll be wanting more again.
What if I told you there was one thing that could satisfy your deepest desire? Would you believe me? How about if I told you, you would have to give up everything first? Would you still be willing?
“Jesus answered, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”“ (Matthew 19:21)
In our world that seems pretty unrealistic. God, you really want me to give up everything? Like everything, everything?
What the Bible isn’t saying is that all Christians should sell everything they have and give the proceeds to the poor. God is telling us that worldly riches can be a great hindrance to salvation by blinding us of our spiritual poverty without Christ. Jesus wants us to be great stewards and to use our blessings to being glory to him. It comes down to the weight your possessions have in your life and the realization that nothing is possible without Jesus.
Do we look to our possessions to find our meaning and security, or do we look at them as blessings that can help us fulfill our role in God’s kingdom?
While things aren’t necessary bad or evil, when we try to fit them in a place only Jesus can fill, we are setting ourselves up for disappointment. The Bible does tell us where we should focus…
“Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:33)
God is our Ultimate Provider. He asks us to give up everything and to take up our cross and follow him, and then we will find eternal life in heaven. But the Bible also tells us that all things will be given to those who seek after Jesus and His holiness. We give up everything of the world but gain EVERYTHING in Jesus. That’s a pretty awesome deal if you ask me!!
Giving up everything means I own nothing.
My car isn’t mine.
My phone isn’t mine.
My laptop isn’t mine.
My house isn’t mine.
My money isn’t mine.
My success isn’t mine.
My World Race trip isn’t mine.
MY LIFE ISN’T MINE.
SO why should my World Race journey look anything different than my spiritual life. It shouldn’t!!!
When God led me to the World Race, he wasn’t just asking me to leave for 11-months to travel the world. God was asking me to test my faith. I had to ask myself… Morgan, are you willing to truly give up your life and follow Jesus if it means sacrificing your ‘normal’, comfortable life? I’ll be honest, it’s easy to say I’m willing when life is going exactly like I plan or he isn’t asking me to do anything I don’t want to do. But will I leave my family, friends, comforts and securities, college, church, America, and all my wants to obey God?
Part of giving up everything to Jesus is giving him my fundraising. It’s often easy to think I have to raise $18,100 on my own but ultimately it’s Jesus who provides. He uses any and all people, situations, and circumstances he feels necessary to do it. I ask you to please search your heart about supporting me financially and/or prayerfully.
Christ is asking me to give up my life, pack the essentials in a backpack, say ‘see you soon’ to my family and friends, and go tell the world about his good works. And I’m saying Yes! It’s not always easy, and I’m sure the next 7 months will be filled with many more concerns, doubts, and fears but my life isn’t my own, it’s God’s, and if he is asking me to go then I’ll go.
