"Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be." -Matthew 6:19-21
Currently, I’m sitting on the floor in my room. Surrounded by piles of stuff. Literally, piles. Stuff that will probably rust before I use it again, if I ever do. I don’t know where along the way I began to think that having things is a blessing. Lets face it, stuff is not a blessing. Stuff gets in the way.
In fact, Jesus said to give everything away. You never see scripture that says, “…and then Jesus grabbed his box of crap and headed out to Galilee.” The shoes on his feet were more than enough, yet I have hundreds of things that I could go my whole life without and wouldn’t need, want, or even miss. I also have things I probably would miss, but the truth is simple – none of it matters. None of It has any value in comparison to Jesus.
So over the next 8 months till the trip starts I am simplifying. I will give something away everyday, or sell some things to raise some of the funds that I am in need of. I’m done with junk drawers, and overflowing spaces. If I can look around and find things I don’t want, then I have far more than I could ever need. And let’s face it, he is all we need. If I am looking for satisfaction in things… I will never truly be satisfied.
As CS Lewis says, "He who has God and everything else has no more than he who has God only."
SO.. when my reluctance to give things away kicks in, as I’m sure it will, I must remember that NOTHING means more than Jesus.
Looking at the man, Jesus felt genuine love for him. "There is still one thing you haven't done," he told him. "Go and sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." – Mark 10:21 NLT
Alright Jesus, lets do this. Goodbye stuff. Hello living out of a backpack for 11 months.
