A couple of times over the past few days I have read, participated in, or overheard conversations about earthly stuff and how it can be a hindrance to spiritual fulfillment.

I grew up in a large family and all my life I thought we were rich. We had everything we needed, I can’t remember feeling like I was missing out. Most importantly we had family time, our parents were intentionally building our family and pointing each of us to the Lord because they understood that life is not about having things, but about being a servant for the Lord and living intentionally toward eternity. Our parents gave us the gift of Christ in our lives and today we as a family are closer than many, and for each and every one of us God is our foundation, a foundation that has been built under each of our children as well.

Eventually, as I grew into adulthood I realized that when I was young, we did not have much money, the family budget was very tight but my parents made it work, and they never brought the financial stress to us kids. We were monetarily poor, but in reality, we were one of the richest families in town.

Stuff doesn’t make a person rich. Christ, love, family, relationships. These are the things that bring true happiness. These are the things that bring fulfillment.

Ephesians 2:4-5, “But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions — it is by grace you have been saved.”

Eternal perspective. Live each day with a focus on eternity and you will find that having stuff is no longer a priority and that joy and fulfillment come from God.