“Those who use the things of the world should not become attached to them. For this world as we know it will soon pass away.” 1 Corinthians 7:31 NLT
Corrie Ten Boom was a watchmaker working in her father’s shop, in the Netherlands, along with her sister Betsie during World War II. She and her family help many Jewish people escape from the Nazis hiding them in their home. Discovered by the enemy, Corrie and her sister both found themselves in a concentration camp in Germany where Betsie died. Corrie was released twelve days later due to a clerical error. The Ten Booms where a very successful family with a thriving watchmaking business yet risked it all to help Jewish refugees being sought by the Gestapo and the Nazis. Their lives reflect an understanding of the temporary use of things in this world as Corrie is well-noted by saying, “Hold loosely to the things of this life, so that if God requires them of you, it will be easy to let them go.” It is estimated the Ten Booms rescued close to 800 Jews.
The accumulating of things is an American way of life. Back in my early days it was called ‘keep up with Jones’ who were your neighbors. Do all you can to have a two-car garage, the latest appliances, and a spot on the city council, or membership in a highly sophisticated club. Today it’s owning a nice home, having the latest gadgets, a secure retirement account, acquiring that prestige job, and having the most followers on social media.
Whatever you possess, whether little or much, are you holding them loosely? There is nothing wrong with having ‘things.’ We run into problems when we become attached to them. Our possessions should be viewed as necessary tools needed to live a secure life, care for our families, help our neighbors, and assist the poor. Material possessions are not the only things we should hold loosely. Paul makes a point that we are to be careful not to be attached even to the good things of the world, but to hold them loosely “for this world as we know it will soon pass away.” (1Cor.7:31b nlt)
Our time is short to serve Christ in this world. May we hold loosely what we have. If God takes what we have for His purposes, Corrie Ten Boom says, “it will be easy to let them go.” Perhaps it’s time for us to start holding loosely the things of this world.
Word for the Soul 