Inspired by this friend’s adventure in cleaning out last year, and this ebook, I’ve been working to get rid of about 10 things every day. Some days it’s less and some days it’s much more…but the goal is an average of 10 things. Not sure how long I’ll do this, but I’ve been at it for several weeks now and I’ve yet to see an end in sight. What Jesus said is so true:
‘LIFE DOES NOT CONSIST IN AN ABUNDANCE OF POSSESSIONS.’ Luke 12:15b
I can let go of those toys in the corner that no one’s noticed for months, can give away the kitchen utensils I haven’t touched in a year, and I can easily get rid of the clothes that nobody wears or has any desire to wear.
But can I get rid of my materialism? Where’s the place to drop off greed? Is there a consignment sale somewhere that will take my incessant desire for more or better or newer or nicer?
I’ve had my days of asceticism and I know that’s not the way. But this other side of the horse is no more comfortable.
And as I haul out all of this stuff, I realize I’ve got to be hauling something else in. A house swept clean can be nothing more than a vacuum ready to suck in a mess much worse than the original. I don’t need empty spaces as much as I need a full heart-a fullness only God can give.
I stand there with a friend and lay out all my items for consignment-watch the woman hang all those clothes and check out the toys. And I walk out with an empty laundry basket and the stained jacket she wouldn’t accept. I handed her all I’d gotten rid of with hopes to get a bit of money in exchange. But knowing me, it’d be better to walk out with empty pockets and a fuller heart. Could I exchange all this for contentment? Only if I get more of God in the process.
Oh Lord, give us grace and godliness and get us rid of the love of money (and all the things that money can buy).
But godliness with contentment is great gain. 1 Timothy 6:6
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