Do we have too much stuff? Here are some facts from the blog Becoming Minimalist:
Yes, this list by itself is overwhelming. But it gets worse. Put in the context of what Jesus said to his disciples, those of us who have allowed our culture to sweep us along are in disobedience.
Consider the first thing Jesus said to his disciples:
“Don’t hoard treasure down here where it gets eaten by moths and corroded by rust or—worse! You can’t worship two gods at once. Loving one god, you’ll end up hating the other. Adoration of one feeds contempt for the other. You can’t worship God and Money both.”
“Has anyone by fussing in front of the mirror ever gotten taller by so much as an inch? All this time and money wasted on fashion—do you think it makes that much difference? Instead of looking at the fashions, walk out into the fields and look at the wildflowers. They never primp or shop, but have you ever seen color and design quite like it? The ten best-dressed men and women in the country look shabby alongside them.”
“What I’m trying to do here is to get you to relax, to not be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God’s giving. People who don’t know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works. Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don’t worry about missing out. You’ll find all your everyday human concerns will be met.” (extracted from Matt. 6:19-33)
If you’re tempted to rationalize all that, consider another thing Jesus said: “If anyone loves me, he will obey my word.” (John 14:23)
So here’s a question in parting: Do you need some lifestyle changes to better sync up with the life that Jesus preached?
If so, I recommend Joshua Becker’s blog. Make an inventory of your stuff. Start with your closets and move to your garage. You’ve read what Jesus said. Now, line your lifestyles up to match his words.
Comments are closed.
Receive updates on the latest posts as Seth Barnes covers many topics like spiritual formation, what if means to be a christian, how to pray, and more. Radical Living blog is all about a call to excellence in ministry, church, and leadership -as the hands and feet of Jesus.
I'm motivated to join God in his global reclamation project. He's on the move, setting his sons and daughters free from their places of captivity. And he's partnering with those of us who have been freed to go and free others.
© Adventures In Missions. All rights reserved. | Privacy Policy | RSS Feed | Sitemap
Thanks my friend. One way to *declutter* is to go through a divorce you didn’t want where you lose everything but keep your soul.
I’m guilty. Thanks for sharing and reminding me.
So are we all here in America, Mark. In a few days, on Lesvos, you’ll see what it looks like to be with people who have nothing. I’ll be praying for you.
100 things seem to be enough!
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/08/business/08consume.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0