And he said to them, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” – Luke 12:15
How much do you have in your closet? In America, we are the richest people on the planet and this wealth is illustrated in our closets, garages, and rec rooms. It typically is not until you move that you realize just how many T-shirts you own. At the rate I am acquiring these, I will be able to wear a different one from now until the next solar eclipse. Every few months I purge the mass amount of casual wear I recklessly hoard, only to be in the same exact place in a few weeks. I wish I could say this is the only area in which I have too much, but it is not.
Like many things, covetousness can best be described by Frasier
Covetousness is an overlooked sin. We so easily see it in others but are blinded to it in our own lives. If we are to live like Jesus, we must examine that which we “own”. He was truly liberated by earthly possessions and in this, He had freedom. What would it look like to rid ourselves of such things and truly live a life free from the clutter? We live in houses too big, stockpile clothes that we never wear, and collect a plethora of devices to make the “perfect” cup of coffee (that last one is directed towards me . . . I need help). I fear in the name of suburban living, we have let our hearts become burdened with the weight of stuff over the ease of the Gospel.
I try to say “no” to myself daily. When I am tempted to buy yet another thing I will rarely use or wear, I walk around with it. Many times I put it back. Honestly, I am of the personality that is seldom happy. Often when I buy something, it is a hopeless attempt to boost my joy. I have a feeling that I am not alone in this.
Today, say “no”. Get rid of the coffee maker.
Matt simon blog 