We can go through this life and possess many things and some of us know the story of the rich man who has taught us it is not a sin to have nice things which one has labored for, but if we start to covet and store up then we are in error. For a mans life consists not in the abundance of the things he possesseth! (Luke 12:15-21) And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth. And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits? And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods. And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry. But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided? So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.

There are things that are a given on what is the best that anyone could possess like peace of mind, good friends and family along with good health. When we do the will of God we know through His word how to conduct our life and possess our vessels to honor God. (1 Thessalonians 4:2-8).  For ye know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus. For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour; Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God: That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified. For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness. He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God, who hath also given unto us his holy Spirit.

Our Lord taught us to possess many things is not what our life should be about, as we read of the rich man who asked Him what must he do to inherit eternal life? The question sounds simple enough, until when he heard he should sell what he had and give to the poor he walked away grieved! There is nothing wrong with enjoying the labor of your work, it is when the accumulation of money and possessions take preeminence over serving God and accumulating large bank account’s and the best of what this world offers. Our true treasure is peace in knowing eternity awaits us minus things. (Mark 10:17-23) And when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life? And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God. Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother. And he answered and said unto him, Master, all these have I observed from my youth. Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me. And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions. And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto his disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God! 

At pentecost the Holy Spirit fell upon the believers and they became of one accord, and seeing every man had a need they sold their possessions and gave to all. This is a clear lesson for us of knowing who truly is in the Lord, as to not covet possessions we have no problem helping one another more than ourselves (Acts 2:42-47) And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. And all that believed were together, and had all things common; And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

Be not thou afraid when one is made rich, when the glory of his house is increased; For when he dieth he shall carry nothing away: his glory shall not descend after him. Though while he lived he blessed his soul: and men will praise thee, when thou doest well to thyself. He shall go to the generation of his fathers; they shall never see light. (Psalm 49:16-19).