We all shop and as we wander through the aisles of the stores we tend to let our impulses take over our intentions. I have been guilty of it myself on occasion and I found it necessary to be reminded what was my original purpose. Things have a way of getting into our carts that weren't on our shopping list. Let's face it, it happens to us all.
Our culture tends to collect material things whether they are necessary or not. As our homes fill up with items they eventually become a burden instead of the joyful little item we couldn't live without. Storage rentals have become profitable businesses, all in the name of storing the things we can no longer fit into our homes. A popular solution is a yard sale; others donate the items to Goodwill or Salvation Army. But inevitably the sequence is repeated over and over again creating an endless cycle of collection and disposal or storage.
I find it difficult to focus when my home becomes cluttered with things. Because I can't think or function as well I attempt to keep my home as "Feng Shui" or uncluttered as possible. It has been the most challenging task I have accomplished. Since I am naturally thrifty, I have difficulty parting with anything useful or beautiful.
It wasn't until I read Matthew 6:25-33, a passage I had read many times before, but for some reason it spoke to me personally this time. ~ Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds in the sky; they do not sow or reap, they gather nothing into barns, yet your Father feeds them. Are not you more important than they? Can any of you by worrying add a single moment to your life-span? Why are you anxious about clothes? Learn from the way the wild flowers grow. They do not work or spin. But I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was clothed like one of them. If God so clothes the grass of the field, which grows today and is thrown into the oven tomorrow, will he not much more provide for you, Oh you of little faith? So do not worry and say "What are we to drink?" or "What are we to wear?" All these things pagans seek. Your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and all these things will be given you besides. Do not worry about tomorrow; tomorrow will take care of itself. Sufficient for a day is its own evil.
I realized that again, I was convicted. Always planning for the worst and hoping for the best. Saving every little thing I thought I would eventually need, trying to be most self-reliant. Instead of placing my hope in God and acknowledging that he would take care of my needs, I was putting my needs first. Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, he says and all these things will be given to you. It's a hard concept to grasp and much harder to practice. Especially, when you are one to save and store.
So, I learned that I don't need to keep every book I've ever read, or every piece of clothing that is still in good shape whether I can fit into it today or after I lose those dreaded 10 pounds again. I have to say I have managed to collect quite an assortment of stuff that I truly don't need or will probably ever use. It is time to let go, it is NOT my security, God is. These things would be more useful given to those who really need them.
I encourage you today to look into your storage needs and see what is better served given to charity or a neighbor who could use it more than yourself. Clear the clutter from your lives and seek the kingdom of God first. Seek not what the pagans seek, but acknowledge the ability for God to supply your needs, trust in him and bless your neighbor.
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