Sole Ties

From the blog formerly known as: I Just Be Talking (2014)

Disclaimer: If you are looking for a post that bashes those who purchase $100, $200, $300, $1000 shoes; this is not that post.

This is not a post that belittles those who choose to stand in line for upwards of 48 hours for a pair of Jordans; no different than those who decide to skip Thanksgiving dinner for a vacuum cleaner. No judgment from this guy, I promise.

I will be the first to admit it. I am a fan of Nike, a loyal fan. If you know anything about Nike, Jordan, Cole Haan then you know they can get pricey. I’m willing to spend more on what I like even though I can pay a more reasonable price for a shoe with the same attributes, and performance abilities. Sheldon says, buy what you want to buy if it’s within God’s will for your life. That is entirely between you and him, and don’t let anyone tell you any different.

I’m here to talk about unhealthy relationships with material possessions that have no benefit or are possible distractions, with your relationship with Christ. I’m using shoes as an example because I like shoes, but this can be anything that is of this world: shoes, cars, clothes, MONEY and the things that money can buy. Sole Ties. In short, do not fall in love with STUFF!

Sometimes I don’t have to talk because the Word already says it, Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you. For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world. And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever. (1 John 2:15-17 NLT) I don’t think that can be any clearer, moving on.

If you let it, this stuff will become clutter; and block your view of your true reward, God.

Luke 12:15 warns against wanting too much stuff. Then he said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.”

He’s not saying that you can’t have nice things, just don’t make the accumulation of these nice things your focus.

This greed is evil. This is the covetousness that would convince a person to kill for a pair of tennis shoes. Sadly, death by Jordans has not been an isolated incident. Michael Jordan is not to blame, nor are his shoes; but our flesh, and the spirit of greed working against us. Our focus is definitely off when it comes to things of this world.

Our focus should be on God; and when your focus is on God, your mind will be on God; and when you mind is on God, your words will be about God; and when your words are about God, your actions will move for God; and when your actions move for God, you become a movement for God. Now you’re rolling.

Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. (Colossians 3:1-2 NIV)

That focused momentum is what you will need to expand the reaches of God’s Kingdom. This is what it takes to make a real difference in your surroundings, and promote change; and if you’re promoting change in your Js then go head, as long as you are making it happen.

Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Matthew 6:10
Calm Down, I’m just talking.

The purpose of Shell Brummell is to inspire tangible personal and professional development through role modeling and storytelling. Our four foundational pillars are Loving, Learning, Living and Leading. Through concentrated effort, we will encourage growth in the hearts and minds of the people we serve.

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