Get Rid of that Clutter!

Thoughts and Reflections on cleaning up…

Need a little spring (or fall) cleaning? Sometimes there’s just nothing like a good clean. Whether we’re preparing for a yard sale, testing new disinfectant chemicals, or making something look new, we all have moments when we feel the intense need to tidy up, inside or out. It feels great and saves our toes from stubbing on things…but do we ever think of cleaning up our lives?

Clearing out the junk… what does this mean spiritually? What represents clutter or things we don’t need in our lives? How do we make room for God?

What’s the difference between things we want and truly need? Consider Matthew 6:

19 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

We are told in many places to seek God’s kingdom first, and other things will follow along. What does that mean? Life is more than material; more than money.

How can we be sure our treasure is in heaven? What do we value? Consider this: What do we spend most time and resources on?

Why do we grow so intent on cleaning and organizing? How can we be sure that our own lives retain a sense of organization…And how can it represent our lives?

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.

Sometimes even our thoughts need de-cluttering… How can we replace our thoughts?

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. -Philippians 4:8

Are there any things you need to “Clear out” for God?

How will you do that this week?

Create in me a pure heart, O God,
and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
11 Do not cast me from your presence
or take your Holy Spirit from me.
12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation
and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. -Psalm 51:10-12

Published September 20, 2018

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