Luke 12:15
"And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth."
KJV
I think this is probably a recurring theme with me, but as I am continually trying to rearrange my stuff to fit it in my busy house, it is on my thoughts. It seems like the subject of too much stuff generally comes up when I am trying to organize my sons' bedroom. My middle child recently had a birthday and with money he received he purchased a giant bin of Tinkertoys. They had the other toy categories removed because of failure to pick up in a timely manner,so what possessed me to allow him to purchase these is a mystery. I wish I had talked him into a Costco sized box of garbage bags, or perhaps a nice bin for sorting things, however the Tinkertoys came home and spread themselves like a fungus across the room, under the bed and in various other places.
I am not a frequent viewer of Veggie Tales, but the words of Larry Boy when asked by Bob the Tomato, "How much stuff do you need," runs through my head.
"How much stuff is there?" was his reply.
Because of the moves, and financial difference since becoming full time missionaries, we haven't acquired much new stuff, but the problem lingers and is perhaps worse because of it. I tend to keep more clothes than we need, because I am concerned we won't be able to buy new ones, or more books because I think other missionaries may be able to use them. Some of my motives are good, but others boil down to fear and covetousness. I am not coveting other's goods, but holding on too tightly to my own.
God help us to evaluate each thing in our house in the light of eternity and with faith in his ability to provide all that we need.
Jennifer Pepito-Chapel Editor
Comments
Good word
That is always on my mind too. Too much stuff!! Even after I get rid of stuff it accumulates again. A good word I have heard many times from a veteran missionary says, Seek first the Kingdom...and all these THINGS will be added to you. She has shared that after leaving her home in America to go to Scotland, she gave up her things and then she gained things back. She is never afraid to just give something away. She knows things will follow her as she is seeking the kingdom!
Blessings to you.
Oh, boy - can I ever relate!
This is something that I've been dealing with for some time, and slowly getting a handle on. I envy my married daughter who is a minimalist and keeps stuff at bay.
And I loved the Larry Boy quote - though I don't like Veggie Tales when they attempt to do a bible story and change several things along the way -- I do love their charactor Tales - in particular Madame Blueberry. She goes to (StuffMart??) and gets so much stuff for her treehouse that it falls over or some such thing.
I would imagine that the mission field would enhance the problem for the reasons you stated. It makes perfectly good sense. I guess our only hope is walking very close to Him and asking for wisdom often! Thanks for writing about this. Every time I read something about stuff and clutter I get inspired.
Deb
