A quarterback once shouted to the rival crowd, “I still own you!” While amusing, it actually got me thinking. Who or what owns me? Who or what owns you?

It’s been said that whatever you live for owns you. Is it property or possessions? Your smartphone? Sports? Your family? None of these blessings in and of itself is bad, but the tough part is not to let them own you.

If you teach children it’s okay to skip church to chase a club sport trophy, what owns you? If social media posts determine your mood or a few less likes to your post send you into a downward spiral, what owns you? If you overspend on your credit card to keep up with the Joneses, what owns you?

Friends, I’m guilty of putting many things above my God, but none of these things can go with me when I die. Solomon said it best: “‘Everything is meaningless.’ What do people gain from all their labors at which they toil under the sun?” (Ecclesiastes 1:2,3). Again, I stress it is not wrong to have or do nice things. In fact, it is encouraged. But take a moment to focus on who it is you are living for. 

While you ponder that question, listen to some good news. Despite your sins of ownership, “You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies” (1 Corinthians 6:19,20). Christ gave his life for you! He puts you first always. So yes, Christ can say, “I own you.”