possessing nothing

In reading Tozer, I have enjoyed his take on this "possessing nothing" issue. It can encompass a worldview.

Tozer (in the Pursuit of God) says, "I have everything, but I possess nothing." If this is the perspective, nothing possesses us. We are not "other possessed", but have no chain to anything, and then can be given, or shall we say, released, to God.

I think the image here isn't that of apathy toward things. We may care quite deeply, and engage fully, love fully, even lay our lives down for friends and enemies. The difference I see is that we do not clutch anything.

So, I may love my child, my spouse, my friend, with all my heart, but I know that God gave them to me. They are God's, not mine to clutch. I possess nothing. (I don't contend I have this mastered, but only that I'm beginning to understand this as working as such!)

Your comments are welcome!