Embracing Spiritual Abundance: Beyond Material Attachments

Kyrzayda Rodriguez who died on September 9, 2018, after fighting with stomach cancer told her final touching message.

“I have a brand new car parked outside that can’t do anything for me,  I have all kinds of designer clothes, shoes and bags that can’t do anything for me, I have money in my account that can’t do anything for me, I have a big well-furnished house that can’t do anything for me.Look I’m lying here in a twin size hospital bed; I can take a plane any day of the week if I like but that can’t do anything for me… So do not let anyone make you feel bad for the things you don’t have—but the things you have, be happy with those; if you have a roof over your head who cares what kind of furniture is in it… the most important thing in life is love.”

In a society where people often prioritize material possessions, accomplishments, and relationships, it’s important to keep in mind that true completeness cannot be found in these fleeting aspects of life. The allure of possessions, the achievements we accumulate, and the people we hold dear cannot provide lasting happiness and contentment. Instead, we should strive to seek a deeper fulfilment beyond the tangible things in life. 

Material possessions, no matter how appealing they may seem, are temporary. The new car we buy, the luxurious house we build, or the gadgets we own can all be lost, stolen, or decayed over time. If our happiness is solely dependent on these external factors, it becomes fragile and can vanish as quickly as the possessions themselves. The stress of holding onto these possessions can even take a toll on our physical well-being.

It’s important not to become too attached to material wealth. Our identity should not be based on what we own. Instead, we should strive to embody virtues such as righteousness, truth, holiness, and love. As vessels of a greater purpose, we should aim to spread these qualities to our communities and the world.

This also applies to the Church, both as a collective body of Christ and as individuals. For the Church to be strong and impactful, it must be devoted and connected to its spiritual source, God. By grounding itself in the eternal truths and principles of God’s kingdom, the Church can excel in its ministries, work, and relationships. This is in line with the wisdom shared by Jesus, who emphasized the importance of seeking God’s kingdom and righteousness as a top priority.

The temptation of worldly desires can lead us away from our spiritual growth and purpose, trapping us in temporary pleasures. However, if we prioritize our spiritual well-being by seeking God’s kingdom and righteousness, we can cultivate spiritual prosperity. Pursuing spirituality doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy material blessings. On the contrary, God often provides for us when we put our spiritual health first. 

A Church that fully surrenders to God, unburdened by attachment to actions, possessions, or relationships, can stand as a victorious entity. It operates in the realm of the eternal, beyond the limitations of the material world. Such a Church embodies the teaching of storing treasures in heaven, where they are safe from decay and theft. The words of Matthew 6:19-21 serve as a reminder of this eternal perspective:

“Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”

Thank you!