I have this thing about things. You see, I think some of us have way too many of them—like those who can’t fit another thing in their garage or their closets, so they rent a storage unit for their extra things.
When I moved houses recently, I had to decide what to do with many of the things I’d accumulated since my last move. Boy, oh boy! That’s when I realized I had indeed become a thing collector!
I think a lot of the problem is due to the culture of materialism that is so prevalent these days. Whenever we watch TV or go online, we are bombarded with advertisements about all the latest and greatest things we need to buy, and those ads are effective. Take electronic equipment, for example. As soon as a new TV or laptop or cell phone comes out, everybody wants it, and a lot of perfectly good ones end up in the garage or closet with everything else.
There are other downsides to this “thing” mentality, too. For one, you can lose appreciation for the value of the things you have if you have too many of them.
Jesus put “things” in perspective when He said, “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).
Another thing about things is that just as some people have way too many, there are others who lack even the basic things of life. Sad!
If you happen to recognize the symptoms of this too-many-things malady in your life, as I did, don’t worry. There is a cure, at least on a personal level. You can take a serious look at all the things you have, decide which you use and really need, and give the rest to charity or a needy neighbor or friend. As Jesus told one rich young man, “Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven” (Luke 18:22).
You’ll be happy with the results. Your home will suddenly seem bigger and more organized, and your life will seem less cluttered.
And remember what Jesus said: “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). As we give away our extra things in a spirit of generosity, we accumulate God’s blessings, both in this life and for eternity.