05/01/2018 – Stuff

I am overwhelmed with stuff.  I've been overwhelmed with stuff for many years and am actively combating any tendency toward hoarding in my life.  Yet - I still have a bunch of stuff!

Folks who have been in the Christian arena for many years may remember these two significant references to "stuff."  Read the article below by Dr. James Dobson and watch the video clip by Veggie Tales.

And be inspired today to hold your stuff a little more loosely!

Why Less Is More

By Dr. James C. Dobson

My intentions were good. I ordered a swing set for my children identical to a shiny display model I’d seen at the store. What arrived, however, was a long box containing roughly 6,324 pipes, 28,487,651 bolts, 28,487,650 screws, and a set of instructions that would have befuddled Albert Einstein. For the next two days, I sweated to assemble bent parts, missing parts, and parts from a 1948 Ford thrown in just to confuse me. 

Finally, the wobbly construction stood upright. I got another shock when I read the final line printed on the back of the instructions: “Please retighten all the bolts on this apparatus every two weeks to ensure safety and durability.” I now had to devote every other Saturday to this tin monster or it would gobble up my children!

Everything you own will eventually own you! 

Unchecked materialism becomes your master, both when you make the purchase and when you must sweat to maintain it. That’s why I heartily encourage you to decide together to own less . . . and enjoy life more.

What do we have that we don’t need and could simply give or throw away? What guidelines could we agree on to avoid the trap of materialism? How can fewer possessions bring us closer to God?

Dear Lord, we are so easily driven by the desire to own more things. We want to live with less. Change us with Your truth about lasting value. We want to hold all our income and possessions in trust for You, the real owner. Amen.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qLgKQ43CShY&feature=youtu.be