More Is Better

Or is it? Do we really need more stuff? We tend to think that more is better. We can’t let our neighbors have something better than what we’ve got. We scrimp and save so that’ll we’ll have more money, a better house or car, the newest smart phone, all the techie stuff. For what? Does it matter at all? We can’t take it with us when we leave this earth.

Yeah, I think we all know that more is not really better. The topic of our sermon this week. We’re probably all guilty of thinking that way. The thought that if we just had more money, more time, more, more, more is the mentality of most of us. With each passing day, we are closer to death. And then what will all of that stuff do for us? Our girls have told us, well pleaded with us, to get rid of our stuff. If we don’t, they’re going to have to do it.

My thought is that I could sell all that stuff and make money off of it. Who am I kidding? That would be hours and hours of listing stuff on EBay or carloads of stuff to take to the consignment shop and then I’d still have to deal with it.

“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.” Mt. 6:19-21

Our pastor’s point was that by being self centered and worrying about only ourselves, we miss opportunities to do for others, to share our plenty. Instead of hoarding what must stay here on earth, we should be storing up treasures in heaven.

God wants your heart. He’s not even looking for your 10% tithe to his church. He wants us to give out of joy, cheerfully. Give what’s on your heart to give. But if you give it and hold it against anyone, that’s not what God’s looking for.

Don’t give away all of your possessions. You do have to provide for your family. Jon talked about ways his family is trying to be better stewards of God’s blessings. I won’t go into all of the details, but Jon was talking about eating out several times a week and how they could save by only eating out one day a week. I could feel my husband’s eyes on me and the message he was conveying with the smirk on his face and the nod of his head. Okay, I admit. We eat out too much. A lot too much. I don’t even know how many times we eat out during a week, but I’d venture to guess it’s close to 10 meals a week. Very seldom breakfast, but often lunch and dinner. At even $20 a pop, that adds up quickly.

I think I’ll take a look at how many things I’ve signed up for online that I’m not really utilizing. Netflix, we’ve had it for probably 6 months and I’ve watched 2 movies. Todd doesn’t use it because he doesn’t know how. I think I could find a few other fees I could get rid of as well. Think I’ll be doing some purging this week.

Jon says God wants your heart and he’s looking for disciples immersed in the causes they give to. Filled with a vision for eternity they’re willing to invest their money, talents, time, and prayers where they’ll matter the most.

Want to know what matters most to you? Look where your money goes. That’s your treasure. Is it going where you want it to go? Are you storing up treasure in heaven or buying stuff that will get stored in the attic? It’s time to take a look at our hearts.

In Faith,

Pam