Resolutions And Stuff
“Do not store up riches for yourselves here on earth, where moths and rust destroy, and robbers break in and steal. Instead, store up riches for yourselves in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and robbers cannot break in and steal. For your heart will always be where your riches are.”
Matthew 6:19-21
Dear Friends,
I loved George Carlin as a comedian. He was a genius when it came to words and the American culture. One of his famous routines was “A Place For All My Stuff.” In one of the versions of this routine, Carlin talks of the great American pastime as getting rid of stuff to make more room for more stuff.
The reason I bring this up is that several people have asked me if I made any resolutions for the new year. I made one resolution: to get rid of stuff. I have too much stuff.
I start with books. At one point I had nearly ten thousand books. Several years ago my wife Nancy bought a Kindle for me. Her words were, “No more books”.
Next are all my DVD’s. I have a couple hundred of those. The silly thing is that I bought one version of a movie. Then the movie would come out on Blu-Ray and I had to have that version. Since the dawn of “On Demand” services, I have no need for DVDs. The same goes for the CDs I have.
Recently I read several articles on the concept of minimalism. I had an epiphany. I have too much stuff that I don’t need because it is out of date. The truth is, I probably didn’t need it in the first place.
The truth is, I too often value myself based on the possession of stuff.
Several times throughout the scriptures we are told not to put our trust in the temporary things of this world. The reality, at least for me, is I put too much trust in this stuff.
In addition, we are told, God cares enough that he will take care of us.
My one resolution is to minimalize. By that, I mean, I will get rid of a lot of my stuff.
Hopefully, as my stuff diminishes, my trust in God will increase.
Have a blessed 2019!
Ricky Adams
Pastor
Peace Lutheran Church
Mill Valley, California