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The Myth of Ownership

Legacy Church
This Advent as Legacy Church, we want to help each other have "a counter-cultural Christmas."  We are challenging each other to win some key battles in our hearts so we can impact the lives of others this Advent season. To read more about Legacy's Advent Impact, you can go here.

The first battle we spoke of Sunday was the battle of Mine vs. God's. We are hardwired from birth to have things our way and claim ownership of those things we think are ours. 

But, the more mature we become and the more honest we are, we realize we don't own anything and we ultimately have no control over our lives. This reality should not breed cynicism but trust--trust in God who owns all things. (Ps. 24:1) 

Absolute ownership of things is a myth. Yes, under the laws of the land, we can claim ownership and defend what we hold title to, but although we "own" a house or car outright, for example, fire, crash, or storm can take them from us in a flash. To own something does not guarantee we will keep it. Jesus warned against putting our trust in those things that can be taken from us. (Matthew 6:19-21)

The problem with the myth of ownership is that it breeds the 3 D's of disillusionment. When we think we own something we become
  1. Dependent on it. We depend on what we think we own to provide security and comfort. Only God ultimately can provide those things.
  2. Defensive of it. We defend what we think we own, and we can become consumed with protecting what is ours and lose a heart for service and love.
  3. Defined by it. Our identity becomes what we have and have accumulated rather than who we are in our relationship with Jesus, the Christ.
Our example for giving up ownership in order to serve others is Jesus. Read this poetic passage from the Bible for what Jesus did for us at Christmas. (Philippians 2:5-11)

Maybe you suffer like me from believing the myth of ownership. Ask God to free your heart from it so you can serve and aid others this season of Advent.

Lord and Owner of All Things,
I confess my belief in the myth of ownership.
I have become dependent on those things,
defensive of them, and defined by them.
Forgive me, and free me 
so I may follow Jesus' example
and serve others with your love.
Amen
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