Many of us have heard the saying, “Too much of a good thing is a bad thing." I went to a woman’s house years ago and could not believe how much stuff was packed inside it.  You could barely walk through the house, let alone live in it. Thankfully, we cannot have too much of God in our lives or too many heavenly rewards. Earthly things, however, can hinder our focus on eternal things. God gives us earthly "stuff" that we should be good stewards of but not focus on. 

In Numbers 32, Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh had this choice: earthly wealth or God's blessing. They had so many animals (a primary source of income) that they gave up their portion in the Promised Land for a temporary need. If they did not have so much cattle, would they have chosen the east side of Jordan? We read later that Moses is opposed to this idea because, just like their fathers, these tribes were not wholly following God. They were focused on the "stuff" instead of on God.

Ironically, God's multiplication of their herds was the main reason that held them back from obedience. Numbers 33 lists the many places God led Israel and provided for them. God had already taken care of Israel. He had already provided enough land for all their animals. God only required them to drive out the inhabitants of Canaan. "...I have given you the land to possess it...But if ye will not drive out the inhabitants of the land from before you...it shall come to pass, that I shall do unto you, as I thought to do unto them.” (Numbers 33:53, 55-56) The tribes thought they knew better than God but were some of the first to be misunderstood, to choose idolatry, and to have conflicts with heathen nations. God's constant appeal to Israel is to walk with Him and not be distracted by "stuff." 

Peter, James, and John learned that "stuff" was not everything. In Luke 5, Jesus captured their hearts when He filled their nets with fish. These fishermen immediately knew something was different about this "Teacher." They did not even bother with the money they would have made that day, even though fishing was their primary source of income. They just "...forsook all, and followed him.” (Luke 5:11) Are we too focused on all the "stuff" God has given to us?  Are we putting Him first in our hearts and forsaking all for Him?