Hold all things loosely
Sometimes, I will admit…I just want things to go my way. Or I want to control the situation, and I want to control it NOW! Ever feel that way? Well, at least in my case, it usually doesn’t ever work out well when I demand my way, my timing, or when I try to control what was never mind to control anyway. Can anyone tell I’ve learned this lesson the hard way? If you haven’t yet picked up on that, then I’m self-admitting…I have!
Well, Paul tried to help us out in scripture by telling us in Colossians 3:2 when he says, “Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” To me, holding all things loosely feels like a modern-day translation of Colossians 3:2, don’t you think? When we hold all things loosely, it’s our attempt as humans to follow Paul’s call to loosen our grip on those things, whatever or whomever they might be so that we can then have a loosened grip so that we are pliable, ready to serve wherever God so chooses. God knows our struggle and does not want us to be enslaved or in bondage to anyone or anything on this earth - whether it be of material value, occupational status and gain, or even a relationship that has caused us to shift our eyes away from Him.
Humans think we know all things, and we get our minds set on proving it. Paul uses reverse psychology as he says to set our minds on things above, not on things on earth. Learning to live with an attitude of holding all things loosely helps keep everything in perspective. Healthy relationships look up before they look at each other. Do you hold things loosely so that God can be preeminent in your life? Is He first? It’s a great question for all of us to ponder and reflect on.
My husband, Steve, has used this phrase through the years and once in a tithing testimony. When you have the posture of holding all things loosely, you simply do not have a death grip on anything…not money, not status, not “your way,” but instead a heart softened toward God and His will and purpose for your life. It’s a beautiful thing.
From Celebrate Arkansas - May 2021