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Letting Go of Stuff

At one time, I loved stuff too much, especially clothes. Piles of bargains, clothes, and shoes, anticipating my next purchase, hankering after what others wore. I came to realize all these things were piling high enough to cast a shadow over my daily worship of God. 

Romans 12:1 in The Message version says, “Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering.”

So I tried a life experiment: I gave up shopping for clothes and shoes for a year! 

Jesus talks to us often about how we deal with stuff. In Luke 12, He got quite blatant about it.

… “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.” Luke 12:15 NIV 

I learned a lot in a year. I realized stuff wasn’t just a burden for me. Working for the international ministry, Tearfund, I saw how the industrial production of my stuff, especially some of the bargains, can create burdens for my global neighbors. And as I learned more about how those brothers and sisters work so hard with so little, my excess seemed out of balance.

As my desire for stuff faded, my desire for God grew. I thought I’d be going without, but I gained so much more from God. Not the kind of “more” that piles up, the kind that sets you free. 

Can I encourage you with my paraphrased words from the Apostle Paul? Despite huge social pressure to endlessly consume more—it is for freedom that Jesus has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a pile of stuff. 

Today, I buy clothes again, but I’m more balanced. I’m more grateful. I appreciate beauty and quality more. I waste less, and I try to value the person who made my stuff through my buying choices. My closets are leaner, but my life is fuller. Still, the best thing about letting go of stuff is the room in my life to worship the best maker of all. 

Sarah, getting free from stuff

Pray: God, are there any ways I’ve allowed stuff to get in the way of loving You and loving my neighbor?