7 Great Bible Verses About Earthly Possessions

God doesn’t condemn His people having earthly possessions; but He does condemn when earthly possessions have us. As believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, we recognize that heaven is our home so we resist the temptation to hoard or treasure earthly possessions that will fade away. Meditate on the following 7 great Bible verses about earthly possessions:

#1) Earthly possessions are inferior to the heavenly one

“Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things” (Colossians 3:2).

Before we knew Christ, we set our minds on everything the world views as valuable. Yet when we gave our hearts to Christ, there’s an immediate recognition of the fading value of material things. Through the knowledge and presence of the Holy Spirit, we begin to desire greater heavenly rewards more so than the earthly ones.

Hold earthly possessions with an open hand so that God can give or take away for His great purpose in your life.

#2) Earthly possessions will be destroyed eventually

“But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare” (2 Peter 3:10).

The most expensive and greatest treasures on the earth will have the same end—nothingness. After Jesus comes back and the world is judged, there will be nothing worth holding on to. In spite of this, many people will continue to cling to their earthly possessions because they long to be more comfortable in the present moment rather than in their eternal future.

#3) Earthly possessions can’t be trusted

“Those who trust in their riches will fall, but the righteous will thrive like a green leaf” (Proverbs 11:28).

Every day something of worldly value is broken, destroyed, lost, or stolen in some part of the world. Many who suffer this type of loss may never completely recuperate from it emotionally or financially. However those who truly trust in God and His heavenly riches only have to suffer temporary loss from the world, but they will gain much more in the Lord’s peace, joy, and grace.

#4) Earthly possessions can’t be given in exchange for your soul

“What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?” (Matthew 16:26).

When we all stand before God, there won’t be one earthly possession in our hands. Both saints and sinners come before the King of kings with only what we did with our lives—either accepting or rejecting Jesus. Those who put their trust in Him will have no reason to fear; however, those who rejected God for the pursuit of riches will have much sorrow and regret.

#5) Earthly possessions can be used for heavenly purposes

“I tell you, use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings” (Luke 16:9).

God blesses His people with the specific purpose that they will in turn be a blessing to others. When we give an abundance of our wealth to spread the gospel—we are using wealth to build up the kingdom of God. Our finances that support missionaries and Christ-driven ministries allow the resources to flow so that the Good News will be spread to the ends of the earth.

#6) Earthly possessions are worth less than a good name

“A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold” (Proverbs 22:1).

Many people underestimate the value of a good name in the pursuit of wealth and earthly possessions. Yet a good reputation brings a lifetime of blessings and respect; while the loss of reputation brings scorn that will follow people to the grave and beyond. Those who turn down financial opportunities to keep their good name will be blessed beyond measure in God’s economy.

#7) Earthly possessions can choke the desire for God

“The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life’s worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature” (Luke 8:14).

There is a great danger in the love of riches—it can steal the desire of knowing God and being known by Him. Those who live for riches forget that their lives are but a vapor (here today and gone tomorrow). It’s a consuming temptation because it will never satisfy because they will never have enough money. A great number of people have come to the end of their lives with robust bank accounts, but spiritually bankrupt.

Possess God’s Goodness

Your earthly possessions are nothing compared to the riches of knowing God and His presence in your life. Great peace is comforting to those who may lack earthly wealth, yet have an abundance of the grace and goodness of God on their lives. Hold earthly possessions with an open hand so that God can give or take away for His great purpose in your life.

Take a look at this related article: Does God Want Us to be Rich?

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