Possessions are often like iron legs. They can hold us in one spot. They can isolate us from one another. They can immobilize us physically, psychologically, and often spiritually to a small place in time and space. They can bind us to the past, generate fear of loss in the present, and cut us off when opportunity knocks in God's service.
Men (and women) of God have always been relatively free of possessions that possessed them. If the lives of our friends and acquaintances were open to scrutiny I suspect that one or more times in their journey through life they were hindered by worldly goods and responsibilities. They traded the joy and blessings of obedience for goods that will mold, rust, and decay. "I can't go Lord, I have to meet the mortgage payment." "I'd rather not speak up Lord, it might affect my paycheck." "I'd like to trust people Lord, but I'm afraid they might steal my jewels (silver, TV, car, coin collection, etc.)."
There is nothing so sad as an individual who trades the treasures of eternity for what they erroneously believe to be the "security" of worldly possessions.
HLC
"Behold, one came to Him and said, 'Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may obtain eternal life?' And He said to him, 'if you wish to enter into life, keep the commandments.'
He said to Him, 'Which ones?' and Jesus said, 'You shall not commit murder; you shall not commit adultery; you shall not steal; you shall not bear false witness; honor your father and mother; and you shall love your neighbor as yourself.'
The young man said to Him, 'All these things I have kept; what am I still lacking?' Jesus said to him, 'If you wish to be perfect, go and sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you shall have treasure in Heaven; and come, follow Me.'
But when the young man heard this statement, he went away grieved; for he was one who owned much property."
Matthew 19: 22