Organization 101

Get rid of your stuff… end of class.  Go get rid of everything you have that you don’t need and only keep what you need to.  After that very little organization is needed because there won’t be much to organize.  No need to buy pretty boxes, bags, or closet systems.  No need to rent a storage unit or to even have a large house.  No more stress because of all the clutter and piles lying around the house.  No more weekends spent dusting, cleaning out the garage or polishing your toys.  Without all your stuff you will have time to spare!

As I give out this advice I sit in my office surrounded by lots of stuff I could easily live without.  This room is surrounded by other rooms full of items I could live without, the garage is full too.  I’ve never been one to hold on to too much but I still find myself spending time on my possessions.  I spend time buying, sorting, moving, arranging, and cleaning my stuff.  I spend time working for money to buy more stuff to waste my time on.  What an insane cycle to live in.  I am realizing that more stuff = more stress. 

The Bible confirms this, in 1 Timothy 6:10 it says, “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.” (Emphasis mine)

Loving money (or what money can buy) is the root, or beginning, of all kinds of evils (covetousness, pride, greed).  This craving for more leads us to pierce ourselves with many pangs.  This desire for stuff truly hurts us!  Also notice the strong pull materialism can have on a person; it even causes some to wander away from the faith.  It is very hard to resist, but that is exactly what we are called to do.

In 1 John 2:15 it says “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.”

This verse tells us not to love “the things in the world”.  Do you love your possessions?  Do you love your pretty bedspread, do you love your 401k, do you love your new shoes, do you love your nice green lawn, do you love your jewelry?  If we love our possessions which are part of the world this shows a huge heart issue.  I don’t mean that if you have a nice pair of shoes or some jewelry that your heart is in the wrong place, but it could be.  If you find yourself striving after items like this or finding ways to accumulate more items to treasure, you need to do a serious heart check…and fast.

A heart aligned with the world is a heart against God, literally an enemy of God.  This may seem harsh, but these are not just my words.  Check out James 4:4, “You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.”  Like I said this is serious.  We want our hearts to be aligned with God not the world.  What we treasure and hold dear displays what is in our hearts.  What is your heart clinging to?

Mothers, be an example for your children.  Teach them at a young age to hold on very lightly to the things of this world.  Teach them how to be givers and to bless others instead.   Instruct them on the difference between what is eternal (God’s Kingdom, God’s Word, Christian relationships, work done for Christ, time spent with God) and what is truly dust (everything tangible).  They are watching you closely so be aware of what you are spending your time on too.  Is shopping a hobby?  Do you often admire and value objects?  Are you being generous in blessing others?  What are your reasons for working?  What are the future aspirations of your family?  Are you planning for a vacation, a hot tub, or an awesome way to bless others for God’s Kingdom?

The only proper place to store your treasures is Heaven. Matthew 6:19-21, “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” 

Ladies, it’s time we cut our tethers to this world.  We need to keep our eyes focused on eternity and not the dust all around us.  Our current surroundings are so very temporary; don’t get distracted by the pull of fake joy found in objects.  Release yourself to fully experience the true freedom only found in Christ.