The ‘stuff’ that accumulates and clusters in corners and cupboards – time to take action and tell it who’s boss. Realistically, what do you actually need? What could go – and go to someone else?
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:19–21 NIV)
Last year I turned 40 and as part of a whole year of celebrating (why not?), I set myself a series of challenges. One of these was to play a game as a family of four devised by ‘The Minimalists’ https://www.theminimalists.com/game/. On the face of it, the game is easy. On day one we had to get rid of one thing each, two items on day two and three on day three and so on. At first it felt good to start having a clear out, getting rid of all those moth-eaten, so-called treasures that were just clutter but it got more and more difficult as we went along and eventually we all hit the barrier of reluctance. Some things felt too precious to let go of.
I thought we might get to day ten and then back away and give up. However as we stuck with it and gathered momentum I was amazed to find that we’d managed to get to the end of the month. What started out as a challenge eventually became liberating as we gradually learned to let go.
You might not be up for the full-on challenge of the game, but could now be the time to clear out that wardrobe, tackle that room you’ve been putting off or root through those kitchen cupboards?
What could you give up and give away? How will that feel? How might it release you and free you from being too attached to your stuff? How might it be a blessing to others? Could less in fact be much, much more in God’s economy?
CHALLENGE:
Cut ruthlessly into the "do I really need this" pile. Keep it simple: don’t let second thoughts get in the way, and start with an idea of who you’ll give it all away to. While you do, think ‘What things has your inner attitude been to holding onto tightly? How has this generosity challenge changed that attitude?’
Contributed by Matt Currey - Matt works for Tearfund in the UK Campaigns Team. He is married to Hazel and they have two children. He loves curry (the food, not himself) which is a good thing living in Southall in West London. He is part of St John’s Church in Southall and loves music and cycling and supports Norwich City Football Club.