Since today is Sunday I wanted to do a special edition of 31 Days. God's Word is not only a huge part of my life but it's our guide book of how to live. I feel like I need to say that, of course, I'm not perfect, but living in God's grace, even in the part of my life dealing with possessions.
I battle materialism like most people in our culture. I don't think God says there is anything wrong with having nice things. The problem lies with your heart.
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:19-21
I have to know where my treasure is and keep things on earth in perspective. Sometimes I will get obsessed with acquiring something to the point that it feels like I'm worshiping it. That's bad. Things serve me. I don't serve them.
What God asks me to do regarding possessions is to keep my heart in check. I look around and have to remind myself that things come and go. I don't want to accumulate too many things and I do that by being very careful about what I buy. I may have a hard time getting rid of old things but I have no problem taking new things back to the store. If I realize it's not going to fit into my life, I promptly get my money back.
On the other hand, if something is going to be a great multi-tasker for me, I could spend a lot of money on it whether it's a pair of shoes or a pan for cooking. God wants good things for us too! It's not about the thing, it's about your heart, which is the only "thing" that God wants.
Hope you've had a lovely weekend. Thanks so much for sticking with me through the first week of simplifying. I hope that you've been decluttering right along with me. One day we'll do a linky and you can show me.
If you will, take the opportunity to consider your heart when it comes to your possessions. Maybe this will be the key to you finally being able to let go of some things.
-xo
Jennifer
3 comments:
Very valid point. Sometimes I do feel that I value some material possession too much that I am actually glorifying it. And only God can be glorified. Thanks for helping lots of us put things in perspective.
Love this perspective and the quotes you have used as well as your own words. The last paragraph is very helpful.
Fiona
http://howtobechic.blogspot.com
Being Fab-I think it's something we all struggle with, since the beginning of time!
Fiona-Thanks! I'm glad that it was helpful to you. It was a good reminder for me as well.
-xo
Jennifer
Post a Comment