Ecclesiastes 2:18-23, Colossians 3:1-11 and Luke 12:13-21

Jesus bluntly says in the Luke passage that our life is more than possessions. He doesn’t call for no possessions just a “light hold” on them! And the contrast between the wealth of Solomon (probable writer of Ecclesiastes) and the most minimal description of anything Jesus owned or possessed is profound.

A “light hold” on what we have is the message for Sunday. And Paul drives this point home by saying “our life is hidden in Christ.” We look to Jesus, therefore, to find our attitude toward possessions, people, and things of concern in this world. And since we are finite humans…..we do it quite imperfectly! Yet…..a life of faith and relationship with things AND the Eternal is always before us.

Ecclesiastes frequently emphasizes the enjoyment of the world but it is “passing away,” all is “vanity,” all we do and have is limited. Ultimately our eternal satisfaction is in God, immortal, invisible, all-wise.

We can enjoy “things,” revel in experiences, cherish memories, treasure others, aspire to do great works, but an eternal Christ centered perspective gives them their ultimate relative worth.

So, as we celebrate Summer fun, enjoy things, and relish time with others we do it as people made for more than the gifts of earth and time. Enjoy, hold things lightly, and give thanks to God!

Blessings as the Summer of 2019 draws to a close! On to the wonder (and gift) of Fall!

Pastor Barry