At an early age, I became very conscious of material possessions, or “things.” This led me to be a bit selfish and sometimes too overly concerned about my possessions. My parents were very good about helping me become less concerned about things, but it wasn’t always easy. Ultimately, when I became a follower of Jesus in my early teenage years, my love for material things became a little less and I began to care more eternal matters. I am sure later notes will address this, so for now let’s look closer at this question.
My mother played a big role in helping me understand and temper my possessive nature. Her guidance would help me gain a perspective I still appreciate. My parents made certain my sister and I had everything we needed, even though my wants may have been greater. As I entered adolescence, I became very aware of my appearance and I wanted to dress in fashionable, name brand clothing. When Mom took me shopping, she let me know there was a budget. Her budget would cover the more generic brands of clothing. If I wanted to buy the more expensive name brand (it usually had a logo to let everyone know it was a name brand), I would have to pay the difference out of my allowance, birthday, lawn mowing money, etc. It was a good way to help me actually understand the value of money and possessions.
Like I mentioned, I had everything I needed, but like most of us, our wants exceed our needs. As I began to earn money, my dad agreed to match every deposit I made into my savings accounts. He actually underestimated my ability to save, and I think he was surprised at how my bank account was growing and surprised when I asked for the matching funds. It was a great incentive to save and to set goals to help me purchase some of my wants!
After playing guitar for several years, it came time when the entry level beginner guitars were not allowing me to improve. I worked and saved all summer long to buy my first, hand crafted guitar. It was a Gibson J-45.
In 1968 the purchase price was a little more than $400. As I am writing this in 2022, the price is around $2800. I kept that guitar for over twelve years and it brought me a lot of pleasure and helped me to improve my playing.
The next major purchase of a guitar was in August of 1974, a Martin D35.
That guitar suited the style of music I was playing at the time. I still have the receipt and I still have the guitar.
Its value today is about $3400. Because of my love for playing and singing, the greatest possessions in my early years were my guitars. These possessions matter a lot to me, because they are a great part of who I am. I value them, because I also worked very hard for them and have put them to use. Over the years, I have owned several guitars each serving different purposes. My expertise was mainly playing acoustic guitar, but there have been a few electric guitars in the arsenal, though none of any great value. As the value of my D35 began to grow and the ability to replace it became harder, I bought a very generic guitar that I would use because it could be replaced easily if something happened to it.
Christmas of 2005, there was an odd shaped gift under the tree. When I opened it, it was probably the biggest surprise gift of my life. One of our friends had just purchased a guitar a few months earlier. After playing it, I commented on what an amazing sound and feel it had. Somehow, my enthusiasm was communicated to Sandy. She and her parents, your great grandparents joined together to give me that guitar. It is a very special guitar and complements the Martin D35 well.
What is really special about this guitar is of all my guitars, it is the only one I didn’t earn or deserve. It was a complete gift. Though I value the lessons I learned as a teenager and the discipline it took to purchase those guitars, my dad was not very supportive of my musical gifts. It was almost 25 years later; when he actually shared his regrets he hadn’t been more supportive. In fairness to my dad, I probably am a better person for earning those guitars. Both of those guitars represent a lot about how I value material possessions. Some come with hard work. Some are gifts. Learn to appreciate both.
While I was saving for guitars, my parents were saving for my college. You have probably heard my father grew up on a farm. His father actually had a college education. He had majored in horticulture, and he applied his education there. My father went to college and later earned a Masters Degree from MIT. My parents made sure I would have the opportunity to go to college and though my dad didn’t invest a lot in my musical interests, my parents paid all my tuition, room and board. I value education as a great possession. It matters so much; your grandmother and I already have a college fund for you!
There are several possessions I think are very important. Transportation and a place to live are a priority in our lives. Don’t get caught up in the prestige of a particular automobile or the number of square feet you own. Our home has always been a big asset for us. We would sacrifice other things to have a comfortable home. We have hosted a lot of special events. We have had people live with us rent free while they were in some sort of transition. I do, however, consider these great privileges and hope you will also.
Here are a few insights into possessions and some warnings!
1.Love people, use things. Many people have this reversed. They love things and use people. Get this right and you will truly be happy!
2. Be careful about what you desire to possess. Most things own you. Fancy cars, boats, vacation homes etc. All require a lot of time effort.
3. The greatest possessions usually require some type of sacrifice; it may be yours or someone else’s.
4. By now, you probably know the gifts I value the most are your time. The memories we make are my greatest possession. You are my greatest gift!!
Finally, what I have learned from Jesus has guided me and I hope will guide you!
Matthew 6:19-21 NIV 19 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Luke 12: 22-28 NIV 22 Then Jesus said to his disciples: “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. 23 For life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. 24 Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! 25 Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life[b]? 26 Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?27 “Consider how the wild flowers grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 28 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you—you of little faith! 29 And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. 30 For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. 31 But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.
Matthew 13:44-46 NIV 44 “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field. 45 “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. 46 When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.
It would be a lie to say that possessions and material things don’t matter to me. They do! My prayer for you is that you will embrace these words of Jesus of Nazareth, our Savior and Lord. Seek His Kingdom first. It’s the greatest treasure you could ever possess. It is the finest most valuable pearl. The Kingdom is worth all of your effort!
Gee Sprague, August 18, 2022