"What Is Your Most Important Possession?" (Isaiah 40:8)

During my freshman year in high school, our entire class was invited to a weekend retreat in the mountains. It was led by our high school counselor who explained that it was a time for each of us to reflect upon our values and goals before the pressures of high school begins.

It was a relaxing and introspective weekend for me. We engaged in group activities to foster cooperation and communication. We shared our family backgrounds and the cultural diversities that brought us to that point. But the one activity that stands out in my mind was a question the counselor posed to each of us. “What is your most important possession?”

I had never given thought to this. I was grateful that there were five others ahead of me as I struggled to gather my thoughts and answer this question for myself. Others shared fairly predictable answers...a photo album, a particular heirloom jewelry. As the counselor turned to me, the answer struck me.

“My guitar.”

Everyone in the group was a bit surprised. At that point in my life, no one knew I played guitar. It would be another two years before I played in the high school stage band and jazz combo. But I had been playing the guitar for three years and smitten by the instrument, spending every free moment with it. That was why it was difficult for me to think about my guitar as a possession. It was a part of my very being.

The discussion ended with the last participant who firmly stated, “My Bible.”

Everyone was also surprised at his answer. We did not know he was so “religious”. But as the years progressed from that date, I knew there was something different about him. When I accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior  nearly five years later in college, I finally understood his answer.

The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.

Isaiah 40:8 (ESV)

Today, my guitar is still my most important possession, but no more than that. My Bible is a possession, but it is much more. Like my sentiment about my guitar, so many years ago, the Bible has become a part of my very being. By reading its words and allowing the Holy Spirit to speak to me and guide my life, it stands forever in my conscience and soul. All other possessions will someday fade away, but God’s Word will remain!

Amen!

Love and trust the Lord; seek His will in your life.